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Algonquin English department showcases new electives as district forms AI study group
Summary
English teachers outlined new electives, curriculum-mapping work and classroom practices to address AI; the committee approved creation of a districtwide AI study group to recommend principles, guardrails and next steps, with initial findings expected before the end of the academic year.
Jane Beatar, speaking for the Algonquin English department, described new electives such as environmental humanities and sports literature, rising enrollment in journalism and creative writing, and an ongoing curriculum-mapping effort to align K–12 instruction and assessments. She said the department is emphasizing classroom-based writing and assessment practices to preserve academic integrity in the era of AI.
"We have gone back to a lot of handwriting, which is a challenge in itself, but that is one way where you really get the kids raw skill," Beatar said while describing in-class writing practices and tools used to review students’ revision histories.
District leaders told the committee the policy subcommittee recommended a broader study group to examine AI’s implications across the district. The AI study group will produce a summary of findings, recommended guiding principles (centered on student learning, equity, educational integrity, transparency and ethical use), suggested policy guidance or guardrails, and areas for further study. Administrators said initial findings are expected prior to the end of the academic year, with continued work as tools and understanding evolve.
Why it matters: teachers reported practical classroom adjustments to address AI and indicated the need for district-level principles and implementation guidance to ensure equitable and responsible use. Committee members encouraged community participation and suggested recruiting local AI expertise for the study group.
Next steps: the district will circulate a call for study-group participants in coming weeks and take milestones for initial findings before the end of the school year.
