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Newport‑Mesa outlines multi‑year AI and ed‑tech plan; staff emphasize AI literacy and teacher PD
Summary
The district described a three‑year approach to AI: teacher PD, an AI working group, K‑12 guidance added to student handbooks, pilot instructional tools, and a monthly student voice survey showing use of AI as a study aid and demand for clearer classroom expectations.
District technology leaders told the board May 21 that Newport‑Mesa is taking a human‑centered approach to artificial intelligence in classrooms, moving from early learning and guidance toward a K‑12 framework and teacher‑led curriculum integration.
Dr. Jenith Mishne said the district launched AI communications to staff and families by January 2023 and has since developed a teacher AI working group, 68 professional development sessions for 14 role groups, and K‑12 language on AI in student handbooks. The district has piloted teacher tools (identified in the presentation as Brisk Teaching) and restricted broad LLM access on Chromebooks for K‑8 while focusing on AI literacy and ethical use.
Mishne reported that a student voice survey—two short monthly questions delivered through Schoology and ClassLink—has yielded more than 1,000 student responses and shows students use AI as a study tool (tutoring, quizzes, study guide generation) but want clearer, classroom‑level expectations. Staff said they are developing a K‑12 framework that will define grade‑band expectations and will continue parent outreach (an "AI Parentology" series and Coffee Talk sessions).
Trustees asked about coherence and guardrails, screen time, and how to preserve students' independent writing skills. Board members and staff discussed pilot lessons at Estancia High School and the need for teacher guidance and calibration so that AI expectations are consistent across classes.
Dr. Mishne emphasized student privacy compliance under AB 1584 and said the district vetted apps and tools through an AI working group and teacher feedback. She said the aim is "human in the lead" AI fluency, with teachers leading redesign of learning experiences over the next academic year and a goal of clear classroom expectations by 2027.
The board offered broad support and urged continued attention to coherence, parent communication, and balanced screen‑time recommendations as the district finalizes an operational framework.
