Navigating the AI Revolution: A Playbook for School Leaders

Technologists have long envisioned Artificial lntelligence (AI) capable of thinking like humans and automating tasks to simplify our lives. We already experience AI in tools like smartphone assistants. Two main forms of AI currently exist: Machine Learning is trained to use algorithms, and Generative AI (GenAI) uses vast amounts of data to generate new responses. GenAI's potential in education is undeniable, but schools risk being left behind without thoughtful preparation.

Many technologies have aspired to revolutionize education. We are naturally skeptical of overblown claims, but there is reason to believe GenAI stands apart from past promises. Consider the rapid adoption of the internet compared to GenAI's meteoric rise: ChatGPT reached 180 million users in under a year, while it took seven years for the internet to reach the same mass of users.

It's important to understand Generative AI will impact every employee and student in some way. As a leader, it's up to you to ensure these impacts are proactive, not reactive. In short, GenAI demands immediate attention and planning as a transformative technology in our society. The challenge lies in balancing proactive adoption while avoiding rushed and reactive implementation. This playbook aims to provide school and district leaders with a brief playbook to start leading the transformation of schools into the AI era.