President Donald Trump recently signed an executive order creating the White House Task Force on Artificial Intelligence Education. This permanent task force will help develop new educational and workforce development pathways for America’s children. This task force will focus on implementing and promoting AI education across the country, signaling a significant shift in how technology can be integrated into learning environments.
The expanded initiative is especially timely as educators continue to navigate the complexities of an ever-evolving, post-pandemic reality. Tom Colabufo, superintendent of Central Square School District in New York, reminds us how essential the role of AI can be. In his view, it’s the key to closing the achievement gap the pandemic has widened. With a student body of approximately 3,600, he believes that harnessing AI can lead to personalized learning experiences that cater to individual student needs.
It’s no surprise that so many educators see generative AI as the great revolutionary force in education. Michelle Dirksen, educator and AI projects lead at All Aboard AI, shines a light on innovative and exciting ways teachers are adopting AI. They’re already using it for creative feedback, writing support, engagement, differentiation. The concept behind this new approach is to use technology to deliver impactful student learning outcomes, while giving teachers the data and tools necessary to make their job easier.
The Role of the Task Force
The White House Task Force on Artificial Intelligence Education is set to spearhead efforts to develop instructional tools that adapt to learners in real-time. The U.S. Department of Education has already provided verification that districts can use their federal education dollars to invest in AI initiatives. This new ruling extends the door for schools to connect with life-changing technology.
Karle Delo, an AI strategist at Michigan Virtual, emphasizes the need for smarter AI education among educators. She points out many of us are really resisting the technology because of misunderstandings and a lack of understanding of what is available. “When I work with districts, we start by creating an AI task force or work group,” she states, emphasizing a collaborative approach to integrating AI into educational frameworks.
Schools are just starting down the path of using AI. They seek a responsible use with parental and teacher engagement, ethical intent, and commitment to personalized learning goals. Finding the balance between technology and education continues to be the topic of some of the hottest debates around school districts.
Implementing AI in Central Square School District
In Central Square, the district has already made some historic moves to get ahead of the curve on AI. The administration really looked at a lot of different tools, Brisk and Snorkl and others. These pioneering tools support educators in planning curriculum and provide students with real-time feedback on their thoughts and interactions. These applications are just a glimpse into a larger movement where technology has become a trusted partner in improving the educational landscape.
“We care less about where teachers source their lesson materials from and more about student engagement, learning outcomes and classroom experience,” Colabufo explains. This philosophy is matched by the desire to leverage new technology to create a more engaging, personalized and effective learning environment.
To focus on integrating AI, the district has named an AI coordinator. This individual will lead the implementation of these tools and ensure they are focused on the educational outcomes desired. This new, dedicated position shows the commitment to integrating AI thoughtfully into the school system.
The First AI Educator Summit
Our inaugural AI Educator Summit was held in the bi-state St. Louis region. Hancock Place was an incredible place to host this major milestone in our changing environment. More than 160 educators from 16 districts joined together at the summit. This remarkable turnout speaks to a burgeoning interest in implementing AI education among the nation’s teaching professionals. Aside from being a place of inspiration and wonder, this conference served as an incredible platform to learn about how to introduce AI tools into classrooms.
Though more than 1,800 miles apart, both educators described their excitement at learning how AI can help empower them in their efforts to teach better. “I’m not here to push AI, but let’s be informed about it and come to it from an educated place,” noted one participant, reflecting a cautious yet optimistic outlook on integrating new technologies.
Schools are just beginning to scratch the surface of what AI can do. They’re deepening their work on developing more authentic, meaningful assessments that show what kids can really do. Colabufo reminds educators that “plagiarism existed long before AI,” emphasizing that the focus should remain on effective assessment strategies rather than solely on mitigating academic dishonesty.
