Arizona Leaders Launch AI Alliance to Lead Innovation in K-12 Education

September 06, 2024

The Arizona AI Alliance comprises the following organizations: AI4Learning, Arizona Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents (AZALAS), Arizona Educational Foundation (AEF), Arizona Institute for Education and the Economy (AIEE), Arizona Rural Schools Association (ARSA), Arizona School Administrators (ASA), Arizona School Boards Association (ASBA), Arizona State University (ASU), Arizona Technology in Education Association (AZTEA), and the Greater Phoenix Educational Management Council (GPEMC)/Arizona Educational Management Council (AZEMC).

"Our mission is to help Arizona’s educators navigate AI by providing guidance, resources, and training to ensure that it is implemented in a way that benefits all students," said Howard Carlson, AZ AI Alliance Co-Chair. "The Arizona AI Alliance is committed to leading this charge with a focus on ethical considerations and the long-term impact on student learning."

The Alliance's work is anchored by the GenAI Guidance for Arizona Schools (AZK12.ai), a framework published by the Arizona Institute for Education and the Economy in 2024. This guidance will anchor the Alliance's work across five key areas:

  1. Strategic Guidance: Offering education leaders advice on AI strategy, planning, and implementation.
  2. Information Dissemination: Providing regular updates through an AI Alliance newsletter.
  3. Collaborative Learning: Utilizing a Community of Practice approach for those leading AI implementation in schools.
  4. Training and Professional Development: Delivering AI training and professional development opportunities tailored to various roles within schools and districts.
  5. Policy Advocacy: Promoting legislative policies that support responsible AI use in schools.

"The formation of the Arizona AI Alliance is a significant milestone," said LeeAnn Lindsey, AZ AI Alliance Co-Chair. "By bringing together multiple organizations, we can strengthen our efforts and increase our reach. Our collective work will amplify the impact of AI initiatives for educators across Arizona."

For more information, contact AZ AI Alliance Co-Chairs, Howard Carlson (hcarlson@aguafria.org) or LeeAnn Lindsey (L.Lindsey@nau.edu).

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