Pulse #10: From AI Skepticism to a Surprising Screen-Time Solution

One Nebraska superintendent has shifted the central office’s role from compliance to service, fostering a culture of respect, trust, and collaboration. By empowering principals and teachers, especially through inclusive curriculum decisions, and increasing district leadership’s visibility in schools, the district has seen improvements in climate and instructional alignment.

Tech integration isn’t just an IT job; it needs principal leadership. When principals set a clear vision, participate in PD, allocate resources wisely, and model tech use themselves, teachers are more likely to adopt tools effectively. Success depends on collaborative planning, monitoring outcomes, and building teacher confidence. Principals don't have to do it all alone. Tech coaches and teachers play a key role in bridging gaps and making implementation work.

A new study reveals that middle schoolers are already using generative AI, yet many approach it with a healthy dose of skepticism. Most students surveyed had used tools like ChatGPT, but many learned without adult guidance and expressed concern about accuracy, bias, and the impact on their own creativity and learning.

Google has launched a wave of AI tools for educators, including free access to Gemini for lesson planning and personalized support. Teachers can now create custom AI tutors, build study guides with Notebook LM, and use tools like Google Vids for video assignments. New classroom features also help track progress, manage student screens, and boost engagement, all within Google Workspace for Education.

To prepare students for an ever-changing world, teaching must shift from memorization to learning that builds creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving. That means redefining the teacher’s role as a guide, not a lecturer, and embracing strategies like project-based learning and inquiry-based instruction. Teacher preparation programs should model innovative approaches, and traditional lessons can be reimagined through real-world questions that make content relevant and engaging.

Chronic absenteeism often reflects disconnection, not defiance. One school leader urges educators to stop using punishment and instead focus on building schools where students feel they belong. Small shifts like elevating student voice, greeting students daily, and reengaging families can make attendance meaningful and improve school culture.

More than 60 organizations—including Google, Microsoft, Meta, and SIIA—signed a White House pledge to expand AI access and training in K-12. The goal: boost AI literacy, equip educators, and promote safe, responsible use. At the same time, the Senate removed a proposed 10-year pause on state-level AI rules, signaling growing support for local oversight. Education groups stress that student safety and transparency must remain at the center of AI efforts.

A new study shows podcasts spark creativity, support learning, and encourage family conversations, offering a screen-free alternative to video. Experts say it's less about limiting screen time and more about choosing quality content. While research on kids’ podcast use is still limited, many experts argue the focus should shift from screen time limits to content quality and co-engagement with media.

[Superintendents Reflect and Look Forward] District leaders across the country shared bright spots from the past school year, such as gains in literacy, student voice, college credit attainment, and career readiness, even as funding challenges persisted. Many celebrated new programs, strong staff retention, and improved student outcomes, while nearly all pointed to financial uncertainty as a major obstacle, especially with the end of ESSER funds and strained state support.

[States Lag in Preparing Teachers for Math Instruction] A new report finds most states are not adequately training elementary teachers to teach math, despite low student scores. Alabama is the only state with a comprehensive approach, while many lack strong standards, licensure tests, or curriculum guidance.

[Designing Schools with Student Wellness in Mind] In the wake of rising mental health needs, schools are rethinking their physical spaces to better support student well-being. According to a recent report, wellness, safety, and connection now outweigh aesthetics in school design priorities, with 86% of Americans agreeing mental health should guide how we build community spaces.

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