Artificial intelligence is already changing how school systems think about instruction, assessment, operations, communication, and decision-making.
Six Florida districts are stepping into that work together through SPARK, Supporting Practical AI for Real K-12 Classrooms, a new 18-month statewide initiative designed to help districts build thoughtful, responsible approaches to AI in education.
SPARK is led by Impact Florida in partnership with the University of Florida’s CSEveryone Center, in collaboration with Microsoft and Google.
The districts selected for the SPARK cadre are:
Through SPARK, district teams will work on both policy governance and practice. They’ll develop or refine guidance related to ethics, data privacy, procurement, academic integrity, and responsible use while also testing practical instructional approaches rooted in real classroom needs.
District leaders are making important decisions about AI while many systems are still building shared language, policies, professional learning, and clear communication with families and communities.
“AI is changing education faster than ever before, and districts shouldn't have to navigate that change alone,” says Dr. Nadine Ebri, who is leading the work. “Through SPARK, we're creating a collaborative space where district leaders can learn from one another, build coherent systems, and develop thoughtful approaches that put students, educators, and communities at the center of AI implementation.”
We’re grateful to these six districts for leading with care, curiosity, and a clear focus on students and educators. Their work will help generate lessons, tools, and examples that can support other Florida school districts as they navigate similar questions in the months ahead.
Impact Florida exists in the vital middle space between the classroom and the statehouse. We help educators grow their practice, connect leaders to share what works, and shape systems so that great teaching can reach every Florida student, in every classroom, every day. By bridging these spaces, we ensure that data become action, and that every Florida student benefits from excellent instruction. Since 2019, we’ve worked across 70% of Florida school districts which serve 93% of the state’s student population.
The CS Everyone Center for Computer Science Education was created to boost teachers’ capabilities around computer science (CS) and artificial intelligence (AI) education, responding to student demand and preparing the workforce of tomorrow. Teachers across Florida and the nation, regardless of their subject area, will have access to professional development and resources, enabling them to seamlessly integrate CS and AI into their teaching. Our approaches include the use of instructional best practices to promote participation of all students and the establishment of a network of CS and AI school leaders and professionals in Florida and beyond.
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