District outlines advisory-based AI-literacy rollout, emphasizes SEL and teacher facilitation

Madison School District staff told the curriculum committee Jan. 13 they plan to teach AI literacy through the district’s advisory structure, prioritizing social-emotional learning and student safety.

Staff said they reviewed modules from EdAdvance and will prioritize a handful of lessons this year rather than buying an entire external package. They described a protected environment called SideKick — a school-compliant interface — and said teachers will introduce short videos and structured discussion prompts before students engage with AI activities in small-group advisory settings.

"We see a sense of urgency," a presenter said, explaining that students already arrive in school using AI with limited understanding. Staff said initial modules will be targeted at seventh through ninth graders where needs appeared greatest in their review, while content integration for classes and CTE pathways will be explored separately.

Presenters emphasized local control and customization: the district will write its own discussion prompts for heavier topics, screen and adapt external videos and activities, and consult with EdAdvance to tailor materials to Madison’s priorities. They described SideKick as a protected network and said teachers and counselors will cue students with guided questions before students are asked to use AI tools.

District staff said this is an early-stage effort and that more work is forthcoming; no formal action or procurement was decided at the meeting.