School Districts Join National Program To Harness AI in Support of Teaching and Learning Outcomes

Education First announces the launch of the AI x Coherence Academy, a nine-month program that will equip school district and charter management organization (CMO) leaders to thoughtfully integrate generative artificial intelligence (AI) in teaching, learning, and system-wide improvement efforts. Supported by the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, the Academy includes community-building workshops, tailored coaching, and a $25,000 grant. The program aims to build capacity, thoughtfully accelerate innovation, and foster greater alignment across AI-related initiatives.

After receiving applications from across the country, the inaugural cohort includes 11 school districts and CMOs dedicated to exploring how AI can drive stronger outcomes for their school communities:

• Boston Public Schools (Boston, MA)
• DSST Public Schools (Denver, CO)
• Duval County Public Schools (Jacksonville, FL)
• Hamilton County Public Schools (Chattanooga, TN)
• Hawaii Department of Education (Honolulu, HI)
• Newburgh Enlarged City School District (Newburgh, NY)
• Quincy School District (Quincy, WA)
• Salem-Keizer Public Schools (Salem, OR)
• United Charter High Schools (New York, NY)
• Wichita Public Schools (Wichita, KS)
• Ypsilanti Community Schools (Ypsilanti, MI)

“We are thrilled to work alongside this group of school districts and CMOs as they lead the way in leveraging AI to enhance teaching and learning,” said Ila Deshmukh Towery, a partner at Education First. “As this work progresses, we’re excited to share our lessons learned and the impact the AI x Coherence Academy has on helping districts create coherence among AI-related strategies and define meaningful outcomes for students and educators.”

“We’re excited to support education leaders and help ensure AI is implemented in ways that are responsible, research-backed, and impactful,” said Sandra Liu Huang, CZI’s Head of Education. “This program offers education leaders resources and guidance as they develop and implement plans to leverage AI to advance their priorities and unlock the full potential of every student, no matter who they are or where they live.”

During their Academy experience, district teams will explore and apply Education First’s AI x Coherence Framework, which synthesizes the organization’s extensive experience working with school systems to plan, align, and measure the impact of new initiatives. This approach builds on Education First’s past coherence work with school districts, county education agencies and state education agencies in partnership with the Aspen Institute Education & Society Program, Equity Meets Design, and the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO).

For more information about the program and the participating districts, visit Education First’s AI x Coherence webpage.

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About the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative
The Chan Zuckerberg Initiative was founded in 2015 to help solve some of society’s toughest challenges — from eradicating disease and improving education, to addressing the needs of our communities. Through collaboration, providing resources and building technology, our mission is to help build a more inclusive, just and healthy future for everyone. For more information, please visit chanzuckerberg.com.

About Education First
Education First Consulting is a leading strategy consulting firm dedicated to accelerating academic success, transforming the teaching profession and cultivating thriving education systems. For more information, please visit https://www.education-first.com.