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Shikellamy SD outlines plan to integrate AI into classrooms and finalizes curriculum maps
Summary
Assistant Superintendent Trevor Palmatier told the board the district will adopt an AI policy for 2026–27, demonstrated classroom tools such as BRISK, and reported that most curriculum maps across subjects and grades have been completed, with state mandates including cursive instruction (Act 2 of 2026) and an evidence-based reading curriculum deadline.
Assistant Superintendent Trevor Palmatier told the Shikellamy School District Board of Education on April 2 that the district is moving to integrate artificial intelligence into instruction while completing a broad curriculum review.
"Artificial Intelligence [is] computer systems capable of performing complex tasks typically requiring human intelligence, including generative AI tools that can create text, images, and other media," Palmatier said as he framed AI as a tool to support personalized learning, differentiation and instructional efficiency.
Palmatier summarized the February 2026 U.S. Department of Labor AI Literacy Framework as outlining foundational skills: understanding AI principles, exploring uses, directing AI effectively, evaluating outputs and using AI responsibly. He said district plans will include guardrails and expectations for student use, with AI-use levels incorporated into student handbooks and a formal district AI policy targeted for the 2026–2027 school year.
A demonstration by parent Madison Attinger, accompanied by her third-grade son Cameron, showed the BRISK platform in action. Attinger said BRISK "allows teachers to transform online resources into interactive, AI-supported learning experiences," and the district reported teachers are using features such as Boost Activities, Give Feedback and Create Library for standards-aligned work across grade levels.
Palmatier also reported that the majority of curriculum maps have been completed and approved across Mathematics (Grades 1–12), English Language Arts (Grades 1–5), Communication Arts (Grades 6–12), Science (Grades 1–2 and 6–12), Social Studies (Grades 6–12), Art (Grades 3–8), Music (Grades 6–12), World Languages (Grades 6–12), CTE programs and various electives. Next steps include finalizing remaining maps, conducting classroom observations and walkthroughs to ensure horizontal alignment, and strengthening vertical alignment to address sequencing gaps.
He highlighted several state requirements the district is preparing to implement: Act 2 of 2026 requires cursive-writing instruction in elementary grades; a FAFSA completion-or-opt-out requirement begins with the Class of 2027; and the district must adopt an evidence-based reading curriculum by the 2027–2028 school year. Palmatier said administration will continue aligning curriculum work to meet those mandates.
The district plans to bring a formal AI policy to the board for consideration ahead of the 2026–2027 school year and to continue the curriculum review cycle through classroom observations and department-level alignment work.
