Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming the world, keeping up with AI is not just about adopting new technologies. It requires a shift in transforming education to meet the needs of students and preparing them for a future where AI will play a significant role in nearly every aspect of their lives. From personalized learning platforms to automated grading systems, AI offers tools to enhance student engagement, improve learning outcomes, and streamline administrative processes.

To harness the power of artificial intelligence, the Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE) created the AI in Education Task Force, which convened for the first time on January 26, 2024, to develop guidelines to support school districts in implementing AI policies and practices. The group is comprised of educators, students, administrators, and representatives from non-profit and for-profit organizations from across Los Angeles County. Their goals include addressing the opportunities and challenges associated with artificial intelligence, enhancing student learning and operational efficiency, and ensuring its ethical and responsible deployment. 

During the first meeting, the task force discussed assessing AI benefits for students, teachers, and administrators, and addressed issues of data privacy, algorithmic bias, and equitable access for all students. The group aims to complete 11 items outlined in the Joint Board Resolution passed by the Los Angeles County Board of Education and the Los Angeles County Superintendent of Schools.

By leveraging the expertise and insights of its members, the task force aims to publish its findings by June 2024 so that school districts can use the guidelines to strategically integrate AI into their educational programs and operations this fall.

AI Task Force Members:

• Adhirat Ajani, Student, LAUSD 
• Joy An, Student, Norwalk-La Mirada Unified School District
• Alan Arkatov, Higher Education, Arizona State University 
• Todd Barker, Chief Technology Officer, Lawndale Elementary School District
• Alvaro Brito, District Administrator, Compton Unified School District 
• Alejandro Chavira, Technology Services, LACOE
• Stephen Choi, Chief Technology Officer, San Marino Unified School District 
• Michael Choi, Procurement, LACOE
• Indra Ciccarelli, Charter, LACOE 
• Carey Crooks, Corporate/Non-Profit, POIETO
• Michele Dawson, Director of Technology, Compton Unified 
• Steven Eno, Teacher, Da Vinci Schools
• Alicia Garoupa, Wellbeing and Support Services, LACOE
• Sam Gelinas, Corporate/Non-Profit, Greater Los Angeles Education Foundation 
• Pamela Gibbs, Governmental Relations, LACOE
• Matthew Glasser, Higher Education, Arizona State University 
• Jose R. Gonzalez, Chief Technology Officer, LACOE
• Elizabeth Graswich, Public Affairs and Communications, LACOE 
• Jesus Hernandez, Classroom Teacher, Lynwood Unified
• Christopher Hoang, Technology Services, LACOE 
• Jennifer Hunt, Teacher, San Gabriel Unified School District
• Matt Johnson, Classroom Teacher, ABC Unified 
• Christine Jones, District Administrator, Palmdale School District
• Chad Laines, TOSA, ABC Unified 
• Jamie Lewsadder, Director of Technology, La Canada Unified
• Johan Madrigal, Technology Services, LACOE
• Danielle Mitchell, Curriculum Instruction Support, LACOE 
• Scott Moss, Technology Services, LACOE
• Sam Nasher, Governmental Relations, LACOE
• Van Nguyen, Public Affairs and Communications, LACOE 
• Tara O’Brien, TOSA, Torrance Unified School District
• Alysia Odipo, District Administrator, Los Nietos School District 
• Irene Orozco, District Administrator, ABC Unified
• Michele Parga, Technology Services, LACOE 
• Jamie Payne, Governmental Relations, LACOE 
• Joan Perez, District Administrator, San Gabriel Unified School District
• Bertha Roman, District Administrator, Santa Monica Malibu USD 
• Patrick Saldana, General Counsel, LACOE
• Creighton Taylor, Corporate/Non-Profit, Guided Compass 
• Sue Thotz, Director of Education Outreach, Common Sense Education
• Claudia Weideman, Higher Education, Arizona State University 
• Laura Wilson, Technology Services, LACOE 
• Kapui Yip, Technology Services, LACOE

For more information on LACOE’s workshops on artificial intelligence, videos and resources, visit our website.