Kira Learning

A lot of school district leaders have been asking what they should think about when using AI tools. Here is a list of some things to consider: Must-haves: -For under 13 (possibly 18) users- teachers and/or administrators should have transparency into how students are using the tools (i.e., have access to student conversation/transcripts and can get summaries of student AI activity) -For under 18 users - there must be clear moderation mechanisms that keep students from engaging in negative use cases (self-harm, hate, etc.). These mechanisms must proactively notify key stakeholders (e.g., teachers and administrators) when the system detects these situations. -AI vendor must use high quality underling models that minimize errors and hallucinations (today this is GPT-4, Gemini Pro 1.5, Anthropic Claude 3 or better). GPT3.5 is not acceptable for student/teacher use.  -AI vendor must have clear contracts with AI model creators stipulating that student data cannot be used for training of the general, public models -AI vendor must be clear that student/educator data will not be sold to third parties in ANY circumstance (even in the event of bankruptcy or an acquisition) -AI vendor must-have clean SOC-2 audits - this ensures that student and educator data is protected/secure Nice-to-haves: -AI vendor has taken care to prevent use of AI for cheating. -AI vendor has added layers to the base model to minimize errors/hallucinations -AI vendor has evaluation/benchmarking mechanisms to measure the AI error rate -AI vendor has school/district/system level reporting so that AI use can be monitored centrally -AI vendor has professional development for teachers to understand how to deploy in the classroom -AI vendor has training for students to understand how to use the AI tools (and how to mitigate risks) -AI tool supports multiple languages -AI tool can be "one-stop" across grades and subject matter to avoid fragmentation of the experience (and the district having to manage multiple solutions).

That's a wrap! Thank you to everyone who participated in CS Forward's inaugural conference in Tennessee, organized with the support of Kira Learning and Tennessee STEM Innovation Network. During this two day conference we brought together educators, administrators, and policymakers from across the country to discuss the future of computer science education. The conference focused on creating equitable access to CS education and setting strategic goals for making computer science a graduation requirement. Participants engaged in insightful workshops and panel discussions, including several notable speakers. Their expertise and passion for equitable education inspired us all. We are thrilled to announce that this will become an annual event, continuing our mission to support educators and advocate for impactful policy changes. Thank you to everyone who joined us and contributed to the vibrant discussions. Together, we are making strides toward a future where all students have the opportunity to learn and excel in AI and computer science. If you would like to join us at next year's conference please DM us! 🌍 #CSForward #ComputerScience #AIEducation #AI

Yesterday, the Governor of Louisiana signed our graduation requirement legislation into law!! Louisiana becomes the 10th state in the nation to enact a high school graduation requirement in computer science. This is an incredible day for the students of Louisiana who will now learn the skills they need to succeed in a rapidly changing world shaped by technology and AI. Congratulations and many thanks to all the people who made this happen - Our highest gratitude to the bill’s author, Representative Jason Hughes, whose vision, commitment and legislative skill made this possible. And a special thanks to our partners, Code.org and Pelican State Partners, for their tenacity, advocacy and willingness to go above and beyond to earn a huge victory for the movement to ensure all students learn computer science. Onward!

I’m happy to share that I’ve started a new position as Senior Conference & Events Manager at Kira Learning!

Great news from Sacramento! Yesterday, the California State Assembly voted 55-0 to pass our legislation to require all high schools in the state to offer computer science courses! Right now, only 45% of high schools in the state offer computer science. We know we can do better. We’re now off to the State Senate!

Yesterday, AB 2097 (Berman) passed the Appropriations Committee of the California State Assembly and is now headed to the floor of the Assembly. The bill would require all high schools in California to offer computer science courses. Right now, only 45% of CA high schools do so.