The Greeley Evans School District 6 Board of Education convened on January 13, 2025, to discuss the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in educational practices and the professional development of teachers. The meeting highlighted the importance of adapting to rapidly changing technology and ensuring that educators are equipped to utilize AI effectively in the classroom.
The session began with a presentation on the use of AI tools to enhance student assessments. A teacher shared their experience using AI to create assignments that incorporate visual aids and sentence stems, demonstrating how these tools can support grade-level content while providing diverse assessment methods. The speaker emphasized the need for vigilance regarding the accuracy of AI-generated content, noting instances of misspelled words in AI outputs.
Following this, Anthony Osmus outlined the next steps for the district's AI initiative. He acknowledged the challenges and excitement surrounding the adoption of AI in education, stating that the district is in the early stages of this integration. Osmus announced a professional development session scheduled for February 3, aimed at helping teachers navigate the evolving landscape of AI technology. He stressed the importance of ongoing support for educators to maximize both efficiency and effectiveness in their teaching practices.
The discussion also touched on the introduction of an AI course for students, designed to teach them how to use AI responsibly and creatively. The goal is to empower students to become proficient in leveraging AI as a tool for idea generation rather than merely completing assignments.
Board member Dr. Campos Spitzy contributed to the conversation by sharing insights from a recent workshop on the necessity of professional development for teachers. He noted that students often have a natural aptitude for AI, which can outpace their teachers' familiarity with the technology. Spitzy highlighted the importance of developing a curriculum that prepares students to become "AI engineers," emphasizing the need for valuable input when working with AI systems.
The meeting concluded with a commitment to fostering an environment where both educators and students can thrive in the age of AI. The board expressed gratitude for the leadership shown in addressing these critical issues and acknowledged the ongoing need for adaptation and learning in the face of technological advancements.