What does it look like to lead AI implementation in a way that is coherent, responsible, and equity-driven? This session highlights strategies for building systemwide alignment across leadership, instruction, and operations while centering equity in every decision. Participants will explore practical approaches to developing guidelines, supporting educators, and ensuring AI enhances access, inclusion, and meaningful learning experiences for all students. You will also hear directly from a member of a school district AI task force who successfully scaled this work, offering real-world insights, lessons learned, and actionable strategies for your own context.
The Hartnell College Foundation K-12 STEAM Program partners with districts to align computer science instruction with TK-6 educational goals, ensuring students build strong foundational skills early and consistently. Our approach scaffolds computer science fundamentals across grade levels while incorporating continuous feedback from administrators to align with district priorities, including standards-based instruction and long-term academic outcomes.
This session highlights how early exposure to computational thinking prevents learning gaps as students transition into upper elementary grades, where science and technical rigor increase. We will share how our model integrates both technology-based and unplugged learning experiences, ensuring equitable access across diverse school environments regardless of device availability.
Additionally, we will explore how evolving workforce demands, particularly the rise of AI and technology-driven careers, require a shift toward creativity, problem-solving, and innovation. By intentionally embedding the “A” in STEAM, our program fosters creative thinking and adaptability.
Participants will gain insight into building scalable, aligned computer science pathways that support academic success and future careers. We will also highlight open source platforms such as Tinkercad, Scratch, and Code.org, demonstrating how these tools remove barriers and enable inclusive, hands-on learning experiences for all students.
This session highlights how the Los Altos School District (LASD) designed and implemented an innovative integrated computer science model that develops computational thinking skills and learner mindsets from Transitional Kindergarten through eighth grade. Participants will explore LASD’s progression of learning experiences that foster problem-solving, creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking through age-appropriate computational thinking practices. The session will feature instructional models, curriculum integration strategies, and examples of student-centered learning that support deeper learning outcomes while increasing equitable access to computer science education for all students.
Feeling the pressure to integrate multiple initiatives without adding more to your plate? This session introduces a practical model for designing integrated, future-ready lessons that align with math, science, computer science, UDL, and SEL—without overwhelming teachers. Using an ELA-based story sequencing lesson as the anchor, participants will examine how a single lesson can intentionally incorporate multiple disciplines, including computational thinking and real-world connections such as sequencing, algorithms, and scientific concepts like food chains. Attendees will engage in a “behind-the-design” analysis, identifying key integration points and unpacking the strategies used to build coherence across content areas. The session will also highlight how AI can support this process by surfacing hidden integration opportunities and accelerating lesson design. Participants will explore a reusable AI meta-prompt and a flexible planning framework that can be adapted across grade levels and subject areas.
