Opinion: How AI Can Scale the Methods of High-Performing Schools

Source Domain: www.govtech.com

(TNS) — The crisis of academic underachievement in the U.S. and the vacuum of support in developing nations are not caused by a lack of knowledge about what works; they are caused by an inability to scale what works. There is “DNA” common in high-performing schools, whether public, charter or private, that when replicated ensures success.

Artificial intelligence can enhance that DNA and be a bridge to delivering it to every child, regardless of ZIP code or country of origin. The DNA can be broken down into five pillars.

Pillar 1: Early childhood education.

Early childhood education prepares children for school by fostering essential academic, social and emotional skills through play-based learning and structured routines. Key benefits include development of foundational literacy and numeracy, improvement in self-regulation and social skills, promotion of curiosity, and increased confidence for future learning. Learning to follow instructions, share and manage emotions makes the transition to kindergarten smoother.

Pillar 2: Standardized, aligned curriculum.

A quality, data-driven curriculum is aligned grade by grade. This ensures that each teacher knows exactly what foundations were laid in the previous grade and what benchmarks must be hit to prepare students for the next grade. High-performing schools implement internationally benchmarked standards and assessments, ensuring curriculum depth and high academic expectations for all students, regardless of background.

Pillar 3: Data-driven interventions.

Robust data systems are used to assess student progress, allowing educators to instantly inform instruction, identify gaps and tailor interventions. Data must be used for early and continuous intervention, addressing not only a student’s academic deficiencies but also the student’s behavioral needs and determining whether there are other issues such as family crises that need to be…

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