Superintendent's Update - September 20, 2024

Sep 20 2024

From the Office of the Superintendent

Board Agenda Calendar

View Calendar of Board Items 2024-25

PAUSD Launches AI NOW! ‘Bytes' and Evolve Program to Empower Educators in the AI Era

The Palo Alto Unified School District (PAUSD) Innovation & Agility department recently launched its AI NOW! ‘Bytes’ and Evolve program with meetings for Secondary and Elementary AI Leads on September 13th and 18th.

AI is rapidly transforming teaching and learning practices. In response, AI Now! ‘Bytes’ and Evolve, is a three-part series developed from last year’s district-level pilot program that will be customized at the site level. The program aims to empower educators with the tools and knowledge needed to shape the future of learning.

Each session offers a ‘byte'-sized learning opportunity, allowing teachers and staff to enhance their AI skills, collaborate with peers, determine whether/when to integrate AI, and stay ahead in the evolving landscape of AI and technology. Supporting PAUSD’s Promise goal on Innovation, this approach is fostering an environment where educators can confidently integrate AI into their teaching practices, preparing themselves and students for a future where technology plays a crucial role.

Please visit Palo Alto Unified School District Generative AI Guidance and Palo Alto Unified School District Technology/AI Resources to learn more about PAUSD’s teachers and staff resources on harnessing the potential of AI and emerging technologies in the educational landscape.

VAPA Spotlight: Addison Spectra Art Abstract Bicycle Shadow Collaborative Art

Last Friday, Addison’s 3rd graders kicked off Bike Rodeo Day with an exciting lesson in bicycle safety. During their Spectra Art session that day, students collaborated to create unique drawings of their bikes, exploring the concepts of positive and negative space in visual art. After arranging their bicycles, they observed the shadows cast by the sunlight, using them to create dynamic compositions. Racing against time as the shadows shifted, the students quickly traced the outlines. Once finished, they filled the sketches with vibrant colors, transforming them into eye-catching, abstract bike art pieces.

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Medium: Sharpie, oil pastel, chalk pastel

Spectra Art teacher: Andi Werboff

Classrooms: Sanchez, Hansrai, Cordova