Bixby Public Schools Expands Khan Academy Program to Include Middle School Students

The Bixby School District is set to expand its partnership with Khan Academy, introducing the platform to middle school students in the upcoming academic year. This decision, made during the Board of Education meeting on July 17, 2024, aims to enhance educational resources for students in grades 7 and 8, building on the existing program for high school students.

Khan Academy, known for its high safety ratings and innovative AI features, will provide tailored learning experiences, particularly in math and science. The platform's new AI tool, KhanMigo, will facilitate a Socratic questioning approach, encouraging students to engage more deeply with the material rather than simply receiving answers. This method aims to foster critical thinking skills among younger learners.

The district's commitment to student data protection was emphasized, with assurances that any data collected will remain secure and not be used for training AI models. This focus on safety was a significant factor in the decision to expand the program.

Training sessions for teachers and students are scheduled for early August, ensuring that educators are well-prepared to integrate these resources into their classrooms. The district plans to meet with all seventh and eighth graders to familiarize them with the platform and its benefits.

In addition to the Khan Academy expansion, the board approved the authorization of Lydia Wilson and Kendall Still as representatives for Bixby Public Schools, empowering them to execute agreements with state and federal education agencies for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. This procedural step is part of the district's ongoing efforts to secure necessary resources for its educational programs.