Schools in California are adopting AI tools for grading, with teachers seeing benefits in time-saving and faster feedback. Despite concerns, proponents believe AI can enhance the educational experience.
AI Tools Transform Grading in California Schools
Schools across California are increasingly incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist teachers with grading and providing student feedback. School districts in San Diego, Los Angeles, the San Francisco Bay Area, and central California are adopting these technologies, though usage guidelines and adoption vary.
Teachers like Jen Roberts from Point Loma High School in San Diego and Alex Rainey from Chico Country Day School are using AI tools such as Writable and GPT-4 to streamline grading processes. These tools are reported to help teachers save time, reduce burnout, and provide faster feedback to students. However, the AI can sometimes grade inconsistently, necessitating human oversight to ensure accuracy.
The California Department of Education does not track AI adoption or spending in school districts. Senate Bill 1288, proposed by the California Legislature, aims to create an AI working group to offer more structured guidance by 2026.
AI tools are not only used for grading but also for creating lesson plans and personalizing reading materials. However, concerns remain about the technology’s risks, including potential biases and the reliance on AI over human judgment.
The cost of these tools varies. For instance, Los Angeles Unified School District signed a $6.2 million contract for a chatbot named Ed, while Quill, an AI-powered writing tool for grades 4-12, charges $80 per teacher annually.
Educators are encouraged to critically analyze AI-generated content and maintain open discussions with students about ethical AI use. Despite the challenges, proponents like Roberts argue that AI can enhance the educational experience by allowing teachers to focus more on student interaction and less on administrative tasks.
