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White Paper
Imagine
Impactful AITraining AI on Efficacious Curricula to Empower
Potential in K–12 Education
Introduction
The latest developments in Artificial Intelligence (AI), particularly in the realms of Natural
Language Processing (NLP), Generative AI, and Large Language Models (LLM), are paving the
way for transformative changes in the educational landscape. These advancements herald a
new era in teaching and learning, characterized by:
Enhanced Support for Educators: AI co-teachers promise to alleviate the burden of
monotonous tasks, significantly boosting educators’ time spent directly interacting with
students, their job satisfaction, and their overall efficiency.
Personalized Learning for Students: AI-driven individualized tutors are set to revolutionize
the learning experience, offering customized support that aligns with each student’s
unique interests and areas of need.
Empowered Family Engagement: AI extends its benefits to families, potentially offering
immediate and comprehensive support in navigating the intricacies of many aspects
of their child’s schooling, from understanding report cards to navigating Individualized
Education Programs (IEPs).
AI tools stand to become the latest innovation that will “enable achieving educational
priorities in better ways, at scale, and with lower costs.”1 Yet, before this future state can
become reality, the organizations rushing to deliver AI tools must first earn the trust of
educators, administrators, and families to truly enable impact on K–12 student outcomes. To
do so, addressing privacy, safety, and bias concerns is paramount. Thus, AI tools need a solid
foundation: a bedrock of efficacious curriculum and pedagogy with proven track records in
enacting digital-first learning in the classroom.
Efficacious Curricula: The Bedrock of Impactful AI Tools
A walled garden2 is an AI tool in which the foundation model is trained on a specific set of
prescribed data sources. Simply put, instead of training the model on a large subset of the
internet (bias and misinformation included), it is trained on selected texts and materials. In
K–12, for AI to be deployed effectively and in a manner that optimizes student outcomes,
providers must leverage a foundation of high-quality digital curricula. Well-researched and
highly effective training sources will get the AI model one step closer to delivering quality
support to learners and educators, as well as reducing rogue instances of hallucinations3
on our most impressionable learners. Increasing the efficacy of AI tools will build trust with
educators and school leaders, who must first believe in this technology for it to have a
meaningful impact on students.
1 Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Teaching and Learning (U. S. Department of Education; 2022)
2 Welcome to the ‘Walled Garden.’ Is This Education’s Solution to AI’s Pitfalls? (EdWeek; 2023)
3 Hallucinations are instances where AI models produce incorrect and, at times, inappropriate responses. These can lead to negative consequences that
range from mere inconveniences to the perpetuation of bias and misconceptions.
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Empowering Educators: A Synergy of AI and Human Expertise
The human element of the classroom can never be replaced by technology, only enhanced.
Imagine a world in which teachers spend less time grading, gathering, and planning, and
instead can dedicate more time to coaching, supporting, and guiding learners. AI has the
power to serve as a catalyst for this new world, enhancing educators’ capabilities rather
than diminishing their roles. Simply put, AI — or any technology — cannot replace teachers.
AI stands as a solution to the prevalent issue of teacher shortages4, offering the necessary
support and resources for educators who may be feeling burned out and overworked.
Enhancing Student Achievement and Classroom Experiences with AI
AI’s transformative role in education will be measured by its impact on student achievement.
Learning solutions should continue to prioritize fostering critical thinking skills over rote
memorization, ensuring that technology contributes to meaningful learning experiences
that best prepare students for the future. AI applications have the ability to enhance student
engagement by increasingly personalizing learning to the individual student’s interests,
capabilities, and needs, ensuring that every learner can achieve their full potential.
Considerations and Risks: Balancing Innovation and Responsibility
Understanding the concerns and risks associated with AI in education, particularly regarding
data privacy, security, and bias, is vital, as many educators have expressed anxiety around
“future potential risks.”5 The ways in which we apply AI technology must proactively address
these concerns, with a clear commitment to protect student and teacher information and
implement best practices around data confidentiality, integrity, and bias. It is evident that while
AI holds promise, there is a significant need for solutions that prioritize educators’ efficiency
and minimize the risk of generating false or misleading outputs.6 Stakeholder engagement
and transparency are the first crucial steps to building trust with district leadership, educators,
parents, and guardians. This is further underscored by school and district administrator
sentiment, which reveals that developing pragmatic solutions with a low risk of error would
significantly enhance trust in AI among administrators.7
Engagement needs to provide district leaders and partners with resources to inform their
communities about AI use in education, addressing concerns and dispelling myths. This
approach promotes open dialogue, helping all stakeholders make informed decisions about
AI in K–12 environments. For AI technology to truly be effective in generating meaningful
impact, it must uphold a steadfast commitment to balancing innovation with responsibility.
Furthermore, administrators are preparing to revise or create AI policies, indicating an evolving
understanding and adoption of this technology in educational settings.8
4 Eliminating Educator Shortages (U. S. Department of Education; 2023)
5 Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Teaching and Learning (U. S. Department of Education; 2022)
6 The 2024 Administrator AI Report: Perceptions, Practices, and Potential in Education (Imagine Learning; 2024)
7 Ibid.
8 Ibid.
3Imagine Impactful AI
Prioritizing the launch of extensively trained and tested AI applications, as opposed to releasing
minimally viable products (MVPs), is a critical factor for success in K–12. Such a thorough
approach not only meets the current expectations of educators and administrators but also
paves the way for effectively integrating more advanced AI technologies in the future. This
strategy ensures that the AI solutions deployed in schools are both reliable and capable of
evolving alongside educational needs in a responsible manner.
Guidance for Educators on Using and Evaluating AI
As we embrace the potential of AI to transform education, it’s imperative for educators to be
equipped with the knowledge to effectively use and critically evaluate AI-based tools. The
following framework aims to provide educators with a guide for understanding, implementing,
and assessing AI in K–12:
1. Understanding AI Capabilities and Limitations: Educators should begin by developing
a fundamental understanding of what AI can and cannot do. This includes recognizing
the strengths of AI in processing large amounts of data and personalizing learning
experiences, as well as its limitations, such as the inability to fully understand complex
human emotions or contexts. Educators should also understand the ethical implications
of AI, including issues related to bias, fairness, and the societal impact of AI technologies.
Emphasizing the importance of explainability in AI tools helps educators understand how
AI systems make decisions to foster trust and effective use.
2. Strategic Alignment and Leadership Engagement: Educators should ensure that the
use of AI aligns with their district’s and community’s mission, vision, goals, and values.
It’s crucial for AI initiatives to have strong support from executive leadership, including a
designated team responsible for overseeing AI adoption, procurement, and management.
Encourage the development of clear policies and guidelines at the district level for AI
adoption, ensuring alignment with legal requirements and ethical standards. Involve a
broader range of stakeholders, including students and parents, in the strategic planning
process to ensure diverse perspectives are considered.
3. Comprehensive AI Integration Plan: A multidisciplinary team approach is essential for
the effective adoption and management of AI. This team should represent multiple
perspectives, including academic, technical, operations, financial, legal, administrative,
communications, DEI, and student and parent groups.
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4. Pedagogical Integration: Educators must evaluate AI tools not only on technological
capabilities but also on the quality and efficacy of the content they deliver. Highlight the
importance of selecting AI tools that have been rigorously tested for educational efficacy
and have demonstrated positive outcomes in similar educational settings. AI tools that are
built upon a foundation of proven, research-based content are likely to be more effective
and reliable. Ensure that AI tools support culturally responsive teaching and address the
needs of diverse learners. Such tools, developed in concert with educational experts and
aligned with established curriculum standards, ensure that the integration of AI is not just
technologically advanced but also educationally sound and contextually relevant.
5. Assessing Data Privacy and Security: Trust and safety are critical. Educators and parents
need evidence of robust data governance policies, ensuring that AI tools and features
comply with data privacy laws such as FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act)
and COPPA (Children’s Online Privacy Protection Rule). Ensure AI tools comply with not
only FERPA and COPPA but also with any state-specific data privacy laws and international
regulations like GDPR if applicable. It’s crucial to understand how personal data is collected,
used, and protected and to verify that strong data security practices are in place.
6. Equity and Accessibility: It is vital to ensure equitable access to AI tools for all students
and staff. This commitment encompasses not only addressing concerns regarding
AI’s potential to perpetuate existing biases but also ensuring that third-party vendors
comply with technical requirements for accessibility. Include strategies for identifying and
mitigating biases in AI systems to prevent perpetuation of existing inequalities. Ensure
AI tools comply with accessibility standards such as WCAG 2.1 to support students with
disabilities. Such compliance should guarantee that their technology-based services and
products are usable and beneficial for individuals with diverse abilities and disabilities,
thus catering to a wide range of needs.
7. Monitoring and Evaluation: Establish metrics to evaluate the impact of AI use in
educational settings. Regular auditing and updating of AI tools and policies are necessary
to ensure they remain effective, current with technological advances, and aligned with
educational goals.
8. Professional Development and Training: Continuous and role-specific training for
educators, administrators, and other stakeholders is crucial. Professional development
should cover integrating AI tools into the curriculum, interpreting AI-generated data,
using AI to enhance teaching and learning practices, and data privacy and cybersecurity
related to AI tools. Offer or encourage participation in certification programs for educators
to become proficient in AI technologies. Create communities where educators can share
experiences, challenges, and best practices related to AI integration.
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9. Stakeholder Collaboration and Feedback: Collaborate with students, families, and other
educators to gather feedback on the use of AI in education. Actively seek input from students
on AI tools, as they are primary users and can provide valuable insights into usability and
engagement. Develop resources and forums to educate parents about AI in education,
addressing concerns and fostering support. This feedback is crucial for understanding the
real-world impact of AI tools and making necessary adjustments to AI toolkits.
10. Future-Proofing Education with AI: Educators should stay informed about the evolving
landscape of AI in education. Encourage educators to keep abreast of changes in AI-
related legislation and educational policies that may impact AI use in schools. This
involves understanding emerging AI trends and potential future applications, as well as
preparing students for a world increasingly influenced by AI technologies. Promote AI tools
that foster creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills to prepare students for
future challenges.
By following this framework, educators can navigate the rapidly evolving landscape of AI,
utilizing its potential to enhance learning while maintaining ethical standards and alignment
with educational objectives.
Conclusion
In summary, the education industry needs to ground any new technology in proven pedagogy
to build trust around these tools. K–12 providers must be committed to the students we serve
and invite district and school leaders to join us in shaping the future of AI. Together, we can
leverage the power of AI to create a brighter, more equitable future for all learners.
Imagine Learning’s AI Initiatives: A Collaborative Journey
We place immense value on the perspectives of educators regarding the adoption of AI in
educational support and teaching. Below is an overview of Imagine Learning’s ongoing efforts
in AI, reflecting our commitment to partnership and innovation in the educational landscape.
Your input is vital to us as we strive to enhance instructional effectiveness and educator
empowerment together.
IMAGINE LEARNING’S DIFFERENTIATION: CURRICULA-INFORMED AI FOR HOLISTIC
DIGITAL SOLUTIONS
At Imagine Learning, we provide educators with research-backed curricula and data-driven
insights, empowering over 15 million students across K–12 districts nationwide. As the industry’s
largest digital-first curricula provider, we aim to intertwine our cutting-edge, efficacious
curricula with advanced technologies, including AI. Our curricula-informed AI approach goes
beyond the limitations of standalone teaching tools and textbooks, offering a solution that
weaves in our vetted curricula and sets a new standard for learning technology.
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Our AI is grounded in digital-first curricula that ensures customization and alignment —
something that’s simply not possible without a solid curricular foundation. We are actively
developing and expanding a robust suite of tools, from plagiarism checkers and personalized
tutoring to precise assessment and innovative lesson plan generation. Continually advancing
our offerings, we are integrating reputable curricular resources such as Imagine Learning EL
Education and Imagine Learning Illustrative Mathematics to further enrich our solutions.
It is this curricula-first approach that can redefine the role of AI in education, ensuring our
offerings do more than just support — they transform, they inspire, and they elevate the
educational experience.
IMAGINE LEARNING VENTURES: INVESTING IN THE FUTURE AND PARTNERING
WITH LEADING INNOVATORS
Imagine Learning is a fervent supporter of innovation in the education space, with Imagine
Learning Ventures supporting early-stage companies developing AI-driven K–12 educational
solutions. We engage in small-scale investments to encourage a diverse range of AI
applications. This positions us at the forefront of AI advancements, allowing us to meet our
customers’ needs while staying true to our mission of serving teachers, students, and families
to the best of our ability.
7Imagine Impactful AI
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877-725-4257 • solutions@imaginelearning.com