WORCESTER— As artificial intelligence tools become more visible in classrooms nationwide, Worcester Public Schools officials are facing growing questions from parents and residents about how — and to what extent — the technology should be used.
Advancements in the technology have led to many concerns — as well as much excitement — over its increased prevalence in society. Naturally, that includes its impact on the world of education.
Locally, the subject of AI was recently included in Worcester Public Schools Superintendent Brian Allen’s presentation of his mid-cycle review report to the School Committee on Jan. 8.
Part of that report gave some insight into the district’s plan for the future of AI implementation in school buildings and classrooms. The meeting also saw a few citizens voice their concerns about AI with some questioning its place in Worcester Public Schools.
The Worcester Guardian contacted the district administration to request comment from Superintendent Allen regarding the district’s use of artificial intelligence. Responses were provided in writing by the district’s communications office on behalf of the superintendent.
WG: AI has become a growing presence in schools and education. What is your opinion on the role that AI plays in education and what do you personally feel are the benefits or downsides to its implementation in schools?
ADMIN (district media statement): It’s imperative that all students in the Worcester Public Schools graduate with a strong academic foundation and future-ready skills. When used with care and intention, digital tools can help students think deeply, connect meaningfully, and prepare for an ever-changing world.
WPS takes student data privacy very seriously. WPS only adopts technology platforms only after they are approved and signed onto the legally binding National Student Privacy Agreement in compliance with FERPA and COPPA regulations through the Student Data Privacy Consortium, for which Worcester has been a member since 2019 with more than 6,700 other school districts.
At the start of the current school year, WPS launched the Future Technologies Advisory Committee of district staff, parents and community members to share varying perspectives on emerging technologies to foster stronger communication and inform a balanced, ethical approach to technology use that prepares students to be future-ready. The topics being discussed include elementary screen time, artificial intelligence in education, equitable access to devices, and digital wellness and citizenship.
WG: DESE (the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education) has set out guidance for AI implementation in schools and in the Superintendent’s Mid Cycle Review report to the School Committee he talked about district officials attending some of their webinars and programs. What has the district done so far to ensure it is following DESE guidance and identifying ideal conditions for implementation across the district?
ADMIN: WPS communicates and works regularly with DESE to ensure the new guidelines are integrated in thoughtful and meaningful ways. Multiple working groups are being put together to create a strategy in alignment with DESE’s multi-faceted guidance.
WG: There was also the mention of a District Wide AI Advisory Committee. Who is represented on that committee (parents, teachers, administration etc.) and how will they play a role in the implementation of AI in Worcester schools?
ADMIN: At the start of the current school year, WPS launched the Future Technologies Advisory Committee of district staff, parents, and community members to share varying perspectives on emerging technologies to foster stronger communication and inform a balanced, ethical approach to technology use that prepares students to be future-ready. The topics being discussed include elementary screen time, artificial intelligence in education, equitable access to devices, and digital wellness and citizenship.
WG: During that same school committee meeting on Jan. 8, prior to the Mid Cycle Review report, several citizens spoke about their concerns regarding AI in schools. One citizen claimed that “AI tutors” were “snuck” into kindergarten already, which begs a larger question: Are Worcester Public Schools currently utilizing AI in classrooms and to what extent?
ADMIN: During the last half of last school year (2024-25), WPS piloted an artificial intelligence platform that provided 10 minutes of individualized instruction once or twice a week to early elementary students who were below grade level in reading. WPS is not currently using this platform in order to solicit additional feedback from community members about technology use. Machine learning has been a part of many of our digital tools for years, and as technology evolves, so do the tools. Any new additions to current tools need to follow the national student privacy agreements.
WG: Another individual noted that the district manual does give parents an option to unenroll their children from third-party programs. Can you specify how this policy would apply to AI in regard to its implementation at Worcester Public Schools? Would parents be able to prevent their children from having access to AI through this method?
ADMIN: The Student Handbook had language around this topic that was outdated because it was written prior to WPS adopting National Student Privacy Agreements through the Student Data Privacy Consortium. The Handbook is in the process of being updated and reviewed by the district’s legal counsel. There is no option for parents/guardians to opt out their child from using technology tools.
WG: What is the “realistic” timeline for AI implementation in Worcester schools? Will it be implemented in full immediately or will it be a phased approach and is there any possibility that the district may choose not to support implementing AI based on any current or future concerns or risks that could relate to its use in the classroom?
ADMIN: Machine learning has been a part of many of our digital tools for years, and as technology evolves, so do the tools. Much of the technology people are using today already involves some aspect of AI.
