Stevenson chemistry team presents 'level up' approach and an AI tutor to boost student agency

Molly Greenberg, chemistry team leader, told the board the department’s 'level up' work focuses on student agency, competency and mindset and aims to give students strategies to plan, act and reflect. “We’re really grateful for the opportunity to be able to learn together as colleagues and to level up our student learning,” Greenberg said.

Chris Higgins explained students must think on macroscopic, submicroscopic and symbolic levels in chemistry and described classroom practices such as particle models and writing balanced equations. The team showed student‑voice survey data they said demonstrate growth in teacher feedback and comfort asking questions, and described classroom tools they plan to continue: mastery trackers, habit trackers and a habit of reflection to connect behaviors to outcomes.

The team also described an AI tutor chatbot used to support students working on ionic compounds. According to presenters, tech coaches introduced the tool and teachers can upload a PDF of practice materials; the chatbot can be set up in roughly five to ten minutes, provide instant feedback to students, accept submissions, and show teachers which students interacted with it and where they spent time. Presenters said the chatbot is one of several differentiated strategies so teachers can meet students 'where they are.'

Board members asked about interpretation of survey responses and cohort differences; presenters explained that spring vs. fall cohorts affect some comparisons and that the team will continue iterating on implementation. No policy or procurement actions were taken at the meeting; the presentation was informational.