Alaska Education Department plans AI bot for state law guidance

The Alaska Legislature's Senate Education Committee convened on March 10, 2025, to discuss key issues affecting the state's education system, focusing on staffing and the integration of technology in schools.

The meeting began with a discussion led by the chair, who emphasized the need for increased funding to support school districts in preparing for Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) positions. The chair noted that progress in this area has been slow and highlighted the importance of addressing this issue to enhance educational offerings.

Representative Himshiu raised inquiries regarding specific staffing positions, particularly a computer science specialist role that has yet to be filled. The department responded that interviews for this position are forthcoming, indicating ongoing efforts to recruit qualified candidates.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the introduction of an artificial intelligence (AI) initiative aimed at improving educational practices. Dina Bishop, representing the department, explained that schools have expressed interest in utilizing AI systems and requested guidance on best practices. The initiative involves developing a rubric for school districts to effectively integrate AI into their teaching methods, particularly for writing assistance.

Bishop clarified that the goal is to create an AI "bot" focused on Alaska's education laws, which would streamline the process of researching legal statutes relevant to education. This tool aims to enhance efficiency and accuracy in accessing state-specific information, thereby supporting educators and administrators in their decision-making processes.

The committee also addressed funding for the education dashboard, with Representative Story noting a recent allocation of $900,000 to support this initiative. Bishop confirmed that this funding is part of a multi-year budget plan, underscoring the state's commitment to enhancing educational resources through technology.

The meeting concluded with an invitation for further discussion on the state's exploration of AI applications in education, indicating a proactive approach to modernizing educational practices in Alaska. Overall, the session highlighted the ongoing efforts to improve staffing and leverage technology to enhance the educational landscape in the state.