Technology Usage

AI:

I plan to work alongside instructional technology staff to author the first AI policy for the district that outlines responsible AI usage (including critical analysis of search results), defines AI plagiarism and discipline, while working with educators to create comprehensive curriculum that incorporates AI tools. Our students deserve to know how to use AI as a tool to enhance their critical thinking and imagination, and our curricula should reflect the reality of ChatGPT and Gemini availability to our students. My previous company was on the cutting edge of AI adoption, and I have seen up close how AI can be used to build and compute things beyond our wildest imaginations. I have also seen how AI can be used to steal and copy the work that experts spent their lives to create.  Together, we will prepare our children for the AI-enabled future by equipping them with the critical thinking skills Madison’s teachers have always fostered.

Tablets:  

I will propose a review of Chromebook/iPad apps that may no longer meet our kids’ needs and where financial resources could be better spent. Chromebook and iPad use in the classroom has increased since 2020, and our test scores should match the increased investment, but they don’t. One solution to address issues of increased operating expenses and low test scores in Math and Reading would include a review of how we use Chromebooks and iPads in the classroom. This review would identify where further personal instruction is required or where additional digital materials/programs could benefit the students.  I will also look forward to working with the Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning to identify areas where we can focus teacher and technology resources to raise scores that match our 2027 goals.

Mobile Phones:

I support a “bell-to-bell” ban on mobile phones during the school day. It is beyond time to have a consistent policy addressing mobile phone usage during school hours. It is disruptive to the classroom and distracts from actual learning. While it is important for students to have access to communicate with their parents in rare emergency situations, we need to balance that need with classroom engagement and knowledge retention. The bell-to-bell policy will also make exceptions for medical and adaptive needs for students who need them.