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Board hears first reading for new high‑school course: 'Understanding and Using AI Responsibly'
Summary
District academic leaders presented a first reading of a proposed 18‑week high‑school course about artificial intelligence for 11th and 12th graders. The course would offer a half‑credit mapped to either English language arts or CTE and carry a development cost of about $20,400 (district portion $2,400).
The Plymouth‑Canton Community Schools Board of Education received a first reading for a proposed high‑school course titled Understanding and Using AI Responsibly. Beth Roehl, chief academic and innovation officer, described the 18‑week course, designed for 11th‑ and 12th‑grade students, that blends hands‑on projects, ethical discussion and entry‑level coding.
Roehl said students would choose one of two credit mappings: a 0.5 English credit (mapped to ELA 11/12 standards) or a 0.5 CTE credit tied to computer science competencies. The curriculum was built to be accessible to students with varied prerequisites, she said, and includes applied projects, simulations and discussions of AI implications in health care, business, media and other sectors.
On cost, Roehl said total development and startup expense is about $20,400. Of that, CTE grant funds will cover roughly $18,000 for supplies and professional development; approximately $2,400 would be charged to the general fund for curriculum development stipends.
Board members and student co‑chairs expressed interest in the course. Treasurer Patrick Kehoe asked whether the district currently limits student access to generative AI tools. Administration said district‑level access is primarily blocked for students but staff have access; the district is evaluating a controlled, district‑sanctioned AI tool and has teachers piloting classroom uses under supervision.
Roehl said the course could expand in future years, possibly to underclassmen, depending on interest and capacity. Because this was a first reading, the item will return for final action at a future meeting if the board directs.
