Ethical AI and Innovation in K-12

As we enter the fall season, I am honored to welcome you to our October newsletter, celebrating the remarkable achievements of North American school districts and their leaders. This month, we highlight how these dedicated professionals and my colleagues are driving meaningful change, fostering student success, and advancing educational equity—efforts that inspire us all.

Before diving into my recent experience in Washington, D.C., I want to take a moment to acknowledge the devastation Hurricane Helene has caused in North Carolina, the state my family and I call home. The unprecedented floods and landslides have left thousands without power, essential resources, and access to care. In the wake of recent storms like Helene and Hurricane Milton, the critical role of our schools becomes even clearer. Schools are not just places of learning; they are the heart of our communities—centers of safety, support, and connection. Whether in cities, small towns, or rural areas, schools unite people, provide critical resources, and bring hope in the face of hardship. Here’s how you can help.

As I mentioned, I recently attended a U.S. Congress hearing on integrating GenAI in education. It was inspiring to witness the collective effort to advance literacy, transparency, and ethical AI use in classrooms. Here are a few key takeaways:

• Literacy for All: Legislators emphasized that students, families, and educators all deserve access to high-quality, competency-based learning experiences around AI. It’s about more than tools; it’s about ensuring everyone has a voice and control in how AI integrates into learning.
• The Divide Already Exists: Some districts are well ahead in AI integration, gaining a significant edge. It’s crucial for governments, corporations, and communities to support K-12 districts in building early capacity.
• Equity through Differentiation: While AI has the potential to enhance personalized learning, the challenge lies in removing administrative burdens so teachers can focus on what they do best—connecting with and teaching students.
• Innovation for Education Systems: With classrooms evolving rapidly, schools and districts must lead systemic changes to ensure equitable, high-quality learning opportunities for all.

I know that AI remains a top priority for many of you, and I’m proud of the strides we’ve made with school districts across the U.S. and Canada. From ethical AI strategies to collaborative innovations, we’ve seen powerful ideas come to life. One district even developed an AI chatbot for assessments, promoting engagement while ensuring transparency and minimizing plagiarism risks.

As October draws to a close, I’m optimistic about what we can achieve together. And don’t miss the fun fall recipe we’ve included at the end of this issue—they’re perfect for adding some seasonal cheer.

Warm regards,

Amos Fodchuk

P.S. I’d love to hear your thoughts on what’s working for you in this newsletter. Please reply and let me know how we can continue to support your work.

What's Happening at ALP

Did you know ALP collaborates with esports experts to create engaging school programs?

Beyond popularity, esports drive student engagement, inclusion, and social-emotional growth. Our team of experienced consultants, who are also gamers, partner with K-20 organizations to design and implement esports programs, clubs, teams, events, and curriculum while building local leadership and coaching capacity for long-term success.

Does your school have an esports program? Contact us to learn how you can create this authentic learning space for all students.

Working Together

Senior Partnership Consultants?Janelle McLaughlin?and?Terrica Young?have joined forces to lead a?trailblazer initiative?in generative AI education with a cohort of 28 innovative educators. Through an immersive launch, personalized goals, and three rounds of job-embedded coaching, they provide the tools to transform classrooms. Their teamwork brings diverse perspectives and tailored support, accommodating different AI skill levels while collaborating with leadership to drive district-wide change, culminating in a showcase event.

Team Spotlight

John McCarthy has supported educators for decades, empowering them to create student-centered classrooms. Specializing in esports, authentic learning, and differentiated instruction, John equips educators with practical strategies that foster student engagement and improve outcomes. His international impact includes leading school-wide initiatives, fostering positive cultures, and advocating for equity. A respected leader, John is dedicated to inspiring excellence and lifelong student success.

What to Read

Some of the ALP team is currently reading Leadership Mindset 2.0 by Michael Anderson. As we hold firm to the notion of continuous learning and maintain our own growth mindsets, this book provides a comprehensive guide that explores key leadership elements and provides actionable steps for personal and professional growth. It's a valuable resource for all educators seeking to inspire and empower their teams.

Welcome to ALP

ALP is thrilled to welcome our new team members: Christine Sachs (Education Consultant, Communications), Kylie Hand (Senior Education Consultant, Innovation), Amber Davis and Antonia Johnson (Senior Partnerships Consultants), and Yumna Ahmed and Alex Denison (Organizational Development Consultants).

Spanning several time zones and working from home offices located in Pennsylvania, Texas, North Carolina, Colorado, and British Columbia, this diverse group brings valuable experience to advance our mission of driving change, deepening learning, and spreading innovation.

Recent Releases

• Unlocking Better Data by Measuring What Matters: A Practical Guide to Effective School Surveys - Judy Hu, ALP
• A Superintendent's Response to Generative AI with Jerry Almendarez - Generative AI in Education Podcast
• How Can Honest Feedback Change Education—Or Are Leaders Afraid to Listen? - Canadian-Ed Leadership Show
• What a Difference a Day (or 2) Makes - Christine Sachs, ALP
• [Don’t Miss] The Carnegie Unit Is Exposed: A Systems Approach to High School Redesign
• [Trending] Key Trends in K-12 for the 2024-25 Academic Year

Voices of Education

“What I see [in Surrey School District] is a genuine desire to continue to embrace the diversity of everyone who comes in.”

Mark Pearmain, Superintendent/CEO, Surrey School District

Can Leadership Be Fun? on the CanadianED Leadership Show

Learn with Us

Is your school ready for GenAI?

Survey says 60% of educators aren’t.

The role of AI in K-12 education is complex. Our latest research with Project Tomorrow reveals a divided landscape: 73% of educators see AI as enhancing learning, but 68% worry about over-reliance.

This dual perspective highlights the urgent need for professional learning—60% of educators want guidance on using GenAI effectively. Follow us on LinkedIn for more helpful information.

Bonus

Brianna Lynn shared a favorite fall recipe that she first found on the Real Simple website.

Turkey-Pumpkin Chili

By Melissa Gray ?Updated on October 17, 2022

Hands On Time: 20 mins

Total Time: 35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small yellow onion, chopped
• 1 pound 93% lean ground turkey
• 1 tablespoon plus 1 tsp. ground coriander
• 2 ? teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1 ? teaspoons kosher salt
• 2 15-oz. cans cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 15-oz. can pumpkin puree
• 1 ? cups low-sodium chicken broth
• Hot sauce, sour cream, and sliced scallions, for serving

Directions

Heat oil in a medium heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high. Add onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, about 5 minutes. Stir in turkey, coriander, paprika, and salt; cook, stirring occasionally, until turkey is browned, about 5 minutes.

Stir beans, pumpkin, 1? cups water, and broth into turkey mixture. Bring to a simmer over medium-high, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat to medium and cook, stirring often, until heated through, about 15 minutes. Top with hot sauce, sour cream, and scallions.