Get Future Ready with AI: A Roadmap for District Leaders
Wednesday, January 31, 2024 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm EST
Presented by Dr. Kecia Ray, Transformation Coach, K20Connect; and Jerry Almendarez, Superintendent, Santa Ana Unified School District (CA)
Sponsored by Writable
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Only 7% of school systems are providing guidance on AI, yet teachers, parents, and students have all emphasized the critical need for AI policy and implementation. Building and implementing a district AI policy takes considerable planning, but it doesn’t have to be daunting. In this edLeader Panel, attendees will gain valuable insights from experienced district leaders and state-level consultants who have been at the forefront of shaping AI policy. You’ll learn how to garner your stakeholders’ support, plan a multifaceted but straightforward policy, and begin the implementation process for the future of teacher and student learning.
The panelists will review the shift towards generative AI, unpack federal- and state-level initiatives, and provide sample policies and practices from trusted organizations and first-mover districts. Jerry Almendarez and Dr. Kecia Ray will explain the process for gaining stakeholder support and implementing AI plans in alignment with well-known guidelines. Attendees will leave equipped with examples of initiatives and processes to bring back to district discussions and resources mentioned in the presentation.
Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from your peers in the ever-evolving landscape of AI in education! This edLeader Panel will be of interest to school and district leaders, education technology leaders, teachers, and librarians of all grade levels. There will be time for questions at the end of the presentation.
About the Presenters
Dr. Kecia Ray is an award-winning administrator with a track record of transforming large urban districts. Harvard University and the U.S. Department of Education recognized her work in Nashville, and her most recent projects include consulting with the New York City Department of Education and Los Angeles Public Schools to pivot to blended learning in response to the global pandemic. She serves the South Carolina Department of Education as a transformation coach for virtual schools and leads a community forum and consulting network, K20Connect, along with other passion projects.
Jerry Almendarez’ career in education spans over 30 years and includes experience as a classroom teacher, assistant principal, and principal. Jerry also served as Director of Human Resources for Colton Joint Unified from 2003 to 2007, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources from 2007 to 2010, and Superintendent from 2010 to 2020. As the Superintendent of Schools for the Santa Ana Unified School District, he is responsible for leading one of the largest school districts in the state, with 56 schools and programs, approximately 5,000 employees, and an expense budget of $890.6 million.
Jerry has a master’s degree in educational leadership from the University of Redlands and a bachelor’s degree in business/finance from Cal State San Bernardino. Jerry has also taught as an adjunct professor at Azusa Pacific University and the University of Redlands and was named a 2019 TED-Ed Innovative Educator. In 2020, he was named CALSA Region 6 Superintendent of the Year.
