CHARLOTTE — Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools plans to integrate artificial intelligence into classrooms next school year, with some buildings becoming ‘AI Champions.’
The district aims to explore the use of AI in education by redesigning the K-12 curriculum to include AI literacy components, launching in August.
Thirty schools will focus on how AI can enhance teaching efficiency and student learning.
“Helping students understand the purpose and function of AI is not to get the answer on a test,” said Superintendent Dr. Crystal Hill, emphasizing the importance of preparing students for workplaces where AI is prevalent.
Rebecca Lehtinen, involved in curriculum redesign, stated, “We’re looking at launching a network of AI champion schools.”
CMS officials are implementing a phased approach to introduce AI in classrooms while addressing various concerns.
Superintendent Dr. Crystal Hill highlighted the necessity of AI literacy for students, noting that employers will expect graduates to use AI tools.
Lehtinen explained that the AI champion schools will help create a blueprint for the rest of the district, allowing teachers to focus more on student interaction.
AI use in classrooms will be limited to maintain critical thinking skills, with AI sites like ChatGPT currently blocked on student devices and soon to be locked on teachers’ take-home devices.
CMS plans to publish an AI guidance document for staff and students as they begin integrating AI into the educational environment, aiming to balance technological advancement with essential skill development.
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