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Operationalizing AI in K-12 Education: Five District Use Cases for Ethical and Strategic Adoption

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Title: Operationalizing AI in K-12 Education: Five District Use Cases for Ethical and Strategic Adoption
Language: English
Authors: Yenda Prado, Pati Ruiz, Judi Fusco, Katherine Adler, Brooke Falck, Melissa L. Smith, Digital Promise, University of Pennsylvania, MDRC, Amira Learning
Source: Digital Promise. 2026.
Availability: Digital Promise. 1001 Connecticut Avenue NW Suite 935, Washington DC 20036. Tel: 202-450-3675; e-mail: contact@digitalpromise.org; Web site: https://digitalpromise.org/
Peer Reviewed: N
Page Count: 12
Publication Date: 2026
Sponsoring Agency: Institute of Education Sciences (ED)
Contract Number: R305C240040
Intended Audience: Administrators
Document Type: Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: Elementary Secondary Education
Descriptors: Artificial Intelligence, Elementary Secondary Education, Technology Integration, Technology Uses in Education, Networks, Teamwork, Ethics, Professional Development, Accountability
Geographic Terms: California, Illinois, Pennsylvania
Abstract: "Operationalizing AI in K-12 Education: Five District Use Cases for Ethical and Strategic Adoption" provides real-world examples for school districts seeking ethical AI integration. Developed through the U-GAIN Reading R&D Center, this report translates five critical EdTech recommendations into practical use cases for building capacity, ensuring governance, and maintaining instructional integrity. The presented strategies across three districts, Orcutt Union, Indian Prairie, and Allentown, offer approaches for aligning AI integration in schools to best support learning for all students. These five use cases illustrate how to: 1. Build Collaborative Networks to share best practices and pilot new tools; 2. Develop Cross-Functional Teams & Procurement via task forces to inform ethical adoption and policy; 3. Tailor Professional Learning by investing in instructional technology leaders and role-specific development; 4. Set Clear Guardrails using structured learning progressions and principles to complement human instruction; and 5. Establish AI-Specific Accountability Systems through continuous evaluation mechanisms, including student playbooks and family guides. Using real-world school district models, this resource offers insights for school leaders aiming for responsible and effective AI adoption.
Abstractor: As Provided
IES Funded: Yes
Entry Date: 20260101
Accession Number: ED682343
Database: ERIC
FullText Text:
  Availability: 0
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  Data: Digital Promise. 1001 Connecticut Avenue NW Suite 935, Washington DC 20036. Tel: 202-450-3675; e-mail: contact@digitalpromise.org; Web site: https://digitalpromise.org/
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  Data: "Operationalizing AI in K-12 Education: Five District Use Cases for Ethical and Strategic Adoption" provides real-world examples for school districts seeking ethical AI integration. Developed through the U-GAIN Reading R&D Center, this report translates five critical EdTech recommendations into practical use cases for building capacity, ensuring governance, and maintaining instructional integrity. The presented strategies across three districts, Orcutt Union, Indian Prairie, and Allentown, offer approaches for aligning AI integration in schools to best support learning for all students. These five use cases illustrate how to: 1. Build Collaborative Networks to share best practices and pilot new tools; 2. Develop Cross-Functional Teams & Procurement via task forces to inform ethical adoption and policy; 3. Tailor Professional Learning by investing in instructional technology leaders and role-specific development; 4. Set Clear Guardrails using structured learning progressions and principles to complement human instruction; and 5. Establish AI-Specific Accountability Systems through continuous evaluation mechanisms, including student playbooks and family guides. Using real-world school district models, this resource offers insights for school leaders aiming for responsible and effective AI adoption.
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