Expand
During the Expand phase, the district scales up successful AI programs from the Construct phase. The knowledge gained from initial pilots and community feedback drives systematic growth. Districts can expand effective AI programs across more schools, invest in ongoing professional development for teachers and staff, and ensure that infrastructure keeps pace with adoption. The focus is on systematic growth, refined teacher professional development, and strengthened support systems across the district.
EXAMPLES OF WHAT THIS LOOKS LIKE:
- Scaling Successful Pilots: Tools or approaches that demonstrate positive outcomes with evidence of safe and effective data privacy protocols are introduced district-wide or refined for multiple grade levels. Metrics such as student performance, teacher satisfaction, and access can be measured and analyzed to guide decision making through district surveys and community forums.
- Structured Professional Development: Educators should have access to microcredentials or specialized modules (such as employee onboarding AI Literacy PD modules), learning how to implement AI ethically, use data responsibility, and integrate new technologies without compromising instructional quality. Districts can partner with Universities and research hubs to identify and implement such professional development at greater scale – such as the University of Florida’s AI in K-12 Microcredentials.
- Community Resource Hubs: Local libraries, recreational centers, and businesses partner with schools to offer AI-focused “open houses.” Families and community members can experience new tools firsthand and receive tutorials on privacy and safety so they can support informed decision making for their students.
- Infrastructure Upgrades: School IT teams, with support from district leadership and industry partners, coordinate hardware and software updates (e.g., faster internet, robust security protocols) to sustain expanded AI usage with careful attention to the impact of expansion on the environment. Now, the Task Force recognizes the cost of such initiative and will share funding resources as best as possible!
OUTCOMES FOR THE PHASE:
- Broad, systematic adoption of AI tools across multiple schools.
- Annual self-assessment against the AI Readiness Checklist (or a similar checklist developed by a leadership team) are conducted with action plans for addressing needed changes.
- Enhanced educator proficiency and improved instructional practices driven by AI, including targeted coaching programs aimed at fostering community support and educator agency.
- Stronger community partnerships that foster shared learning and support.
- Measurable improvements in student engagement and learning outcomes, alongside better operational efficiencies.