At This Newark School, A.I. Lessons Are the New Drivers’ Ed

Uncommon Schools was featured on today’s episode of The Daily, the flagship New York Times podcast. Following our previous front-page profile in the Times, this deep dive focuses on the evolving role of AI in the classroom, highlighting our exceptional teachers and centering the voices of our brilliant students.

The podcast features Uncommon Schools North Star Academy Washington Park High School’s AI Literacy class, where students in their final project stood up and presented a kind of declaration of independence about this technology.

"Artificial intelligence is a tool created to expand human potential…Creativity is lost whenever convenience becomes more important than growth, and that true learning still demands struggle, reflection, and creativity…We stand firm against the surrender of our autonomy. We assert our role as architects of the future.”

The episode brings to light an important distinction in our approach: this is not just about AI literacy; it is about AI civics. Rather than merely teaching technical skills, we are pushing students to think critically about AI – encouraging them to debate the role of technology in their lives and society writ large. Our students are taught to drive their use of AI versus letting AI drive them. We are proud to play a leading role in this critical national conversation.

The article features the inspiring work of veteran teachers Mike Taubman and Scott Kern, whose creativity and rigor have continued to bring innovation to the classroom, equipping students not just to use A.I., but to question and shape it, and to be in the driver’s seat.

Kern and Taubman are incorporating A.I. in their classrooms where it matters most, with students redefining arguments with class-designed chatbots and sharpening their career aspirations through A.I. simulations. Students are learning to use A.I. as a tool to explore possible careers, so they can steer and drive their own futures. This year, Kern and Taubman have been part of a team that trained teachers across Uncommon on how to use A.I. responsibly through MagicSchool. Now, the two of them, along with many of our Uncommon colleagues, are researching thoughtful and appropriate ways to incorporate A.I. technology to improve efficiency and effectiveness across our network.

Originally appeared in The New York Times’ Artificial Intelligence (subscription paywall).