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Florida Implements New AI Rule for Schools, Posing Implementation Challenges

Florida Implements New AI Rule for Schools, Posing Implementation Challenges

Florida has introduced a new artificial intelligence (AI) rule, Rule 6A-1.0957, which mandates that district school boards and charter school governing boards adopt AI-specific amendments to their internet safety policies by July 1, 2027. RumbergerKirk partner Leonard J. Dietzen has examined the practical and legal challenges schools face in complying with this new regulation. The rule requires schools to address how AI instructional tools are used, manage parental consent procedures, and provide non-AI alternatives. A significant concern is identifying which instructional tools fall under the rule's scope, especially as AI features become integrated into educational software. The regulation also focuses on autonomous AI tools, requiring direct adult supervision, complete activity logs, and the ability for school personnel to disable autonomous functions without vendor assistance. Incident reporting and maintaining human review for decisions affecting students are also key components.

Rowan University Researcher Explores AI's Role in Enhancing Teacher Professional Noticing Skills

Rowan University Researcher Explores AI's Role in Enhancing Teacher Professional Noticing Skills

Molly Fisher, a professor at Rowan University’s College of Education, is leading research into how artificial intelligence (AI) can be utilized to improve teachers' professional noticing skills. Professional noticing refers to a teacher's ability to observe, interpret, and respond to student behaviors in real-time, which significantly influences instructional decisions and student support. Supported by a National Science Foundation grant, Fisher and a team from the University of Kentucky are investigating the potential of AI as a tool for mathematics teachers. The research aims to develop a reliable method for assessing and enhancing these critical skills, moving beyond current subjective observation methods. The team plans to train AI models using data from previous studies to identify examples of effective professional noticing, ultimately creating a tool that provides instant feedback to teachers on their instruction and classroom interactions.

Schools Nationwide Developing Social Media Guidelines for Students and Staff

Schools Nationwide Developing Social Media Guidelines for Students and Staff

Schools and districts across the United States are actively developing and implementing social media policies and guidelines for both students and staff. This initiative is in response to the increasing ubiquity of social media in daily life. The process involves examining school culture to understand current social media usage by students, teachers, administrators, and parents, and identifying both the benefits and fears associated with its integration. Key steps in creating these guidelines include organizing a diverse team comprising educators who use social media and those who do not, along with administrative and student representatives. This team is tasked with being open and transparent in their discussions and decision-making, often establishing dedicated websites to share notes, resources, and meeting minutes. The goal is to leverage social media for improved communication while addressing potential challenges.

Educators and Parents Grapple with Balancing Screen Time Benefits and Risks in U.S. Education

Educators and Parents Grapple with Balancing Screen Time Benefits and Risks in U.S. Education

Parents and educators in the U.S. are navigating the complex landscape of screen time for children, weighing its educational benefits against potential risks. While school-issued technology is recognized as a valuable learning tool, it also presents challenges such as distraction. Tanasha Holder, an inclusion teacher at Lumberton High School, observes both the advantages and disadvantages of technology in the classroom, noting that computers offer useful resources, especially for students who benefit from diverse learning approaches. However, she also points out that increased screen time can reduce student engagement. Dr. Patricia Tibbs, a pediatrician and president of the Mississippi Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, acknowledges the necessity of computers in modern education but emphasizes that there is no universal 'too much' when it comes to screen time. Instead, she advises parents to consider how children are using screens and what other activities, such as physical play or social inter...

Pearson Education Seeks Sales Specialist in Fullerton, CA to Drive Digital and Print Solution Adoption

Pearson Education Seeks Sales Specialist in Fullerton, CA to Drive Digital and Print Solution Adoption

Pearson Education Seeks Sales Specialist in Fullerton, CA to Drive Digital and Print Solution Adoption

PEN America Reports Record High of Nearly 12,000 Book Removals in U.S. Public Schools

PEN America Reports Record High of Nearly 12,000 Book Removals in U.S. Public Schools

PEN America has released a new study revealing that nearly 12,000 book removals occurred in U.S. public schools over the past year, marking the highest total since the organization began tracking such incidents five years ago. The report, titled 'Banned in the USA,' indicates that 7,370 individual works were affected, with over 4,500 appearing on the list for the first time. These removals span a wide range of literature, from 19th-century classics like 'Jane Eyre' to contemporary manga series such as Sui Ishida's 'Tokyo Ghoul.' A significant number of these removals took place in Florida and Texas, where conservative politicians and activists have actively pushed for the withdrawal of books. Themes related to race, racism, sexuality, and gender identity remain the most frequent reasons cited for challenging books. Stephen King was identified as the author whose works were most frequently withdrawn for the second consecutive year, with 312 instances, including 'The Shining' and 'The Green Mile.' The most b...

School Business Professionals Offered Micro-Certificate in AI Applications

School Business Professionals Offered Micro-Certificate in AI Applications

A new micro-certificate program, 'AI in School Business,' is being offered from October 20 to December 15, 2026, targeting school business professionals. This six-session program aims to move participants beyond basic AI prompting to more practical and reliable applications of artificial intelligence in their daily work. The curriculum covers AI foundations, security, creating effective AI workspaces, document and spreadsheet analysis using AI, building custom assistants, and exploring AI skills and agents. Participants will engage in live virtual sessions, learning labs, and a capstone project where they will develop an AI skill for a real workplace task. The program is designed for those who already have some experience with AI platforms like ChatGPT, Claude, or Gemini and are looking to apply these tools responsibly within a school business environment. Successful completion earns 10 CEUs and a verified CASBO AI in School Business Micro-Certificate.

OpenAI Forum Discusses Enhanced Teen Safety Measures for AI Tools in Education

OpenAI Forum Discusses Enhanced Teen Safety Measures for AI Tools in Education

On October 5, OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, hosted a forum to discuss stronger safety measures for teenagers using artificial intelligence tools. This discussion comes amidst a growing pushback against the overuse of technology in schools, extending from cellphones and Chromebooks to AI. Recently, the New York City Public Schools and the Los Angeles Unified system implemented restrictions on student AI use, with New York prohibiting it in elementary and middle schools and Los Angeles restricting it for all students. The panel, moderated by Chris Lehane, OpenAI's chief global affairs officer, included experts from the American Psychological Association, the Center for Democracy & Technology, everyoneAI, and CodeAI. Key takeaways emphasized the need for teens to learn responsible AI use, the importance of designing AI tools with students' developmental stages in mind, and the necessity of collaboration among tech companies, lawmakers, researchers, educators, parents, and students.

Portland Public Schools Proposes Closure of Up to 14 Schools Amidst Restructuring Plans

Portland Public Schools Proposes Closure of Up to 14 Schools Amidst Restructuring Plans

Portland Public Schools, Oregon's largest school district, has unveiled proposals that could lead to significant changes across its elementary, middle, and K-8 schools. These proposals include the potential closure of up to 14 schools, program consolidations, and adjustments to school boundaries. Three scenarios have been presented: one suggesting 14 school closures, another proposing 11 closures, and a third option to maintain the current structure. The district asserts that these measures are intended to ensure a more consistent standard of service across all its educational institutions. The recommendations are largely slated to take effect in the fall of 2027, with the school board expected to cast a final vote on the plan in December. This initiative has already generated opposition from some parents and teachers within the community.

Educators Express Concerns Over Screen-Free Classrooms and AI Literacy in New Hampshire

Educators Express Concerns Over Screen-Free Classrooms and AI Literacy in New Hampshire

Educators in New Hampshire are grappling with the implications of reducing screen time in classrooms, a trend gaining momentum across the U.S. A survey conducted by Reaching Higher NH revealed that 64% of educators believe students spend too much time on screens, and over 80% anticipate positive impacts on social skills if screen time were limited. However, significant concerns exist regarding the practicalities and potential negative consequences of blanket bans. Educators worry about managing student behavior without screens, the cost of replacing online-exclusive learning resources, and the loss of adaptive content that personalizes learning. Furthermore, with standardized testing predominantly screen-based, teachers are concerned about adequately preparing students for these assessments. The New York City Department of Education has implemented a tech freeze, and the Los Angeles Unified School District has placed limits on classroom screen time, banning them entirely before second grade, indicating a b...

San Francisco Unified School District Candidates Address Strategies to End State Fiscal Oversight Amidst Budget Deficit

San Francisco Unified School District Candidates Address Strategies to End State Fiscal Oversight Amidst Budget Deficit

Candidates for the San Francisco Unified School Board of Education are outlining their strategies to end state fiscal oversight, which has been in place since May 2024 due to a projected $120 million budget deficit. The California Department of Education is expected to verify SFUSD’s positive certification in December, requiring the district to demonstrate its ability to cover all financial obligations for the current and subsequent two fiscal years. While the district adopted a balanced budget in June, which included eliminating approximately 375 jobs and reducing central-office funding by 15 percent, candidates emphasize that sustained fiscal discipline and improved financial management are crucial. Autumn Brown Garibay stresses eliminating the structural deficit and fixing financial controls, particularly payroll and enrollment projections. Virginia Cheung advocates for reliable operations and disciplined fiscal management, including strategic investments in educators to boost enrollment. Alida Fisher h...

Springfield News-Leader

What kids miss when we squeeze the joy out of reading | Opinion

What kids miss when we squeeze the joy out of reading | Opinion

As U.S. students continue to struggle with reading, Springfield author David Harrison wonders whether a lack of good stories is part of the problem.