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In this final episode of our special AI series, Ashley Shaw is joined by Leslie Eaves to discuss the crucial "AI Checklist" – a practical guide for educators and leaders looking to implement artificial intelligence tools in their K-12 classrooms. This episode wraps up our deep dive into the "Guidance on AI and K-12 Instruction" report and its practical applications.

In this episode, you'll learn about:

• The Purpose of the AI Checklist: Understand how this checklist serves as an essential guide for evaluating and selecting AI tools, ensuring they align with your school's needs and educational goals, much like you would any other new resource.
• Beyond the Surface: Ethical and Effective Use: Discover the importance of moving past simply picking the "first tool you see." The checklist helps you consider the ethical implications and practical effectiveness of AI in fostering student learning.
• The Power of Collaboration: Learn the critical first step in adopting AI: building a diverse team that must include teachers. This collaborative approach ensures buy-in, addresses real classroom needs and leads to more successful implementation.
• Connecting to the "Guidance on AI and K-12 Instruction" Report: This episode links back to the four pillars discussed in the earlier parts of the AI series, providing a comprehensive framework for responsible AI integration.

This episode provides actionable advice for anyone ready to responsibly explore and integrate AI technology into their educational environment!

🗂️ Resources:

• Also available on YouTube if you prefer video
• Download the free report: https://www.sreb.org/publication/guidance-use-ai-k-12-classroom-0
• Get the free AI checklist: https://www.sreb.org/publication/ai-tool-procurement-implementation-and-evaluation-checklist

The Southern Regional Education Board is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that works with states and schools to improve education at every level, from early childhood through doctoral education and the workforce.

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In this episode, Daniel Rock and Jason Adair delve into the remarkable journey of Bryant Park Elementary, an SREB Pacesetter School in Jefferson County, Alabama.

We talk to Principal Cortney Slaughter and teacher Alex Wilson about how they built a thriving school from the ground up since its opening in 2020.

In this episode, you'll learn about:

• Embracing the "Why" and Building Ownership: Discover how Bryant Park Elementary went beyond checklists, fostering deep teacher ownership and rich conversations, allowing for productive struggle that led to a much richer experience.
• Arts Integration as a Core Strategy: Explore how the school successfully integrates the four art forms (theater, dance, music and visual arts) with core curriculum standards to promote student engagement, retention and confidence. Hear examples like using tap dancing for math fluency and Tableaus for reading comprehension.
• Recognition and Achievements: Learn about Bryant Park's impressive accolades, including being a Class School of Distinction for arts integration, an Alabama Reading Initiative Spotlight School, and a Marzano High Reliability School (level one).
• Creating a Culture of Shared Leadership: Understand the importance of a collaborative, shared leadership approach where the principal is not the sole decision-maker. Find out how leadership teams, including the Continuous Improvement Leadership Team and the Design Team, ensure every grade level has a voice and opportunities for growth.
• Intentional Professional Learning: Discover Bryant Park's robust professional development model, including a partnership with Arts Now for quarterly 3-day arts integration training. New teachers receive foundational training, and the school intentionally schedules time for learning during the school day, respecting teachers' time.
• Teacher-Led Instructional Rounds: Learn about their unique approach to instructional rounds, where teachers observe peers to identify strengths and areas for improvement, focusing on specific instructional practices like vocabulary and explicit instruction. This process provides purposeful feedback that is debriefed in professional learning communities.
• Key Advice for School Leaders: Gain insights into the most important considerations for leaders piloting new programs, emphasizing shared leadership, valuing every voice (even critical ones) and balancing shared decision-making with clear expectations and boundaries for growth.

This episode offers practical strategies and inspiring examples for any educator or leader looking to transform their school through innovative practices and a strong culture of continuous learning!

The Southern Regional Education Board is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that works with states and schools to improve education at every level, from early childhood through doctoral education and the workforce.

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In this episode, we're joined by Aimee Wyatt, SREB's director of leadership and professional learning, and our special guests from PENCIL: Alayna Cate, director of partnerships, and Bob Kucher, chief partnerships and programs officer. PENCIL is a Nashville-based non-profit dedicated to connecting businesses and the community with Metro Nashville Public Schools.

In this episode, you'll learn about:

• Pencil's Mission and History: Discover how PENCIL, a 43-year-old non-profit, serves as a vital link between the business community and public schools in Nashville, based on the belief that a thriving school system creates a thriving city.
• The Definition of "Partnership": Understand how PENCIL differentiates between one-off volunteer opportunities and sustained, long-term partnerships that are embedded into the culture of both the school and the business, fostering deeper impact.
• Innovative Ways Communities Partner With Schools: Explore various engagement methods, from volunteerism, guest speaking about career journeys and mentorship to more in-depth career experiential learning like job shadows, work-based learning and even support for school events or operational needs.
• "Goosebump Moments" and Student Impact: Hear compelling examples of how partnerships have transformed student perspectives, such as a high school junior discovering a new career path in the automotive industry beyond her imagination through a Bridgestone partnership and HCA Healthcare providing hands-on hospital job shadows and paid internships leading to employment upon graduation.
• Tips on Creating Community Partnerships on Your Own: Even if you do not have a PENCIL in your community, there are ways to create amazing community partnerships for your students.

This episode is packed with actionable advice for anyone looking to foster meaningful connections between schools and their surrounding communities!

The Southern Regional Education Board is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that works with states and schools to improve education at every level, from early childhood through doctoral education and the workforce.

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