Pulse #27: Can Schools Keep Up With AI and Change?

Nearly a quarter of the nation’s 500 largest districts replaced their superintendent this year, with many leaders citing strained school board relationships and growing political pressure. This churn disrupts long-term planning and makes it harder to maintain stability when students need consistent leadership most. Building a more sustainable leadership pipeline will take mentorship and stronger support networks, particularly for women who still hold only a third of superintendent roles.

Stanford researchers and Learning Commons are developing open tools to evaluate the quality of AI-generated educational content. Their goal is to help teachers and edtech developers assess whether materials like reading passages or lesson plans are appropriately challenging and instructionally sound. Because most AI tools aren’t tested on real classroom tasks, educators are left to decide what’s rigorous or useful. “Autoevaluators” designed with teachers could make it easier to ensure AI truly supports learning.

Nearly half of schools still lack an AI policy, but experts say it’s essential for clarity and trust. Districts leading the way focus on:

Students make the most progress when the science of reading meets the science of learning. Dr. Carolyn Brown says pairing structured literacy with strategies like spaced practice, immediate feedback, and varied tasks helps students build fluency and confidence. Screening students early, personalizing structured practice with the help of technology, and creating supportive spaces for reading aloud all strengthen fluency and make growth measurable this school year.

Superintendent Jennifer Gaffney, New York’s Superintendent of the Year, shows how small districts can drive big change. Her team tackles student mental health through strong community partnerships and creative staffing. Despite tight budgets, they launched a “Grow Your Own” program to develop future educators and work closely with families and community partners to make limited funds go further.

Students at a California high school are learning to build their own AI models instead of just using existing tools. The class focuses on the math behind AI, including regression, probability, and data analysis, to show how these concepts power real-world applications. Students leave with a deeper understanding of how the technology shaping their world actually works.

Career and technical education is expanding nationwide, but quality remains uneven. The strongest programs feature structured course pathways, hands-on learning, and partnerships with employers and colleges that keep content relevant. States like Nebraska and Washington are leading with regional collaboration and new routes for industry experts to teach, ensuring all students gain meaningful skills and access to good jobs.

Two federal judges have ordered the Trump administration to keep SNAP benefits flowing during the shutdown, blocking plans to pause payments starting Nov. 1. The rulings force the USDA to tap contingency funds, offering short-term relief for millions of families, though it’s still unclear how quickly aid will reach EBT cards or whether the administration will appeal.

[Ransomware Still Threatens Schools] More than 180 ransomware attacks hit schools worldwide through the first three quarters of 2025, with most of them in the U.S. While the pace of attacks dipped slightly, experts warn districts not to let their guard down. Each breach can steal massive amounts of data and disrupt classes, with ransom demands averaging over $440,000.

[Reading as a Cure for Loneliness] As young men read less, many also report feeling lonelier and more disconnected. Research shows reading together strengthens social bonds and critical thinking. Families and schools can help by reading with boys early and often and treating literacy as a way to connect, not just perform.

📤 Found Pulse K–12 helpful? Share the page with a colleague to help them keep a pulse on education too.