By Ramin Taheri, Magnet Schools of America CEO
Summer is a time to relax, recharge, and have fun. But it is also an ideal time to branch out, learn something new, or sharpen skills in preparation for the school year ahead. This summer, Magnet Schools of America hosted two symposia that offered opportunities for our members to enjoy all of the above: they took a deep dive into specific issues related to the five pillars of magnet schools, they heard working in a small, interactive setting, and they had a great time laughing and learning together. In this issue of Distinct by Design, we reflect on our Denver symposium, which exemplified the essence of the second of the five pillars of magnet schools— Innovative Curriculum and Professional Development—by focusing on artificial intelligence (AI) and its impact on K-12 education.
Although I enjoy using generative AI, I confess that I went into our symposium as a novice, not really understanding the universe of AI platforms available or their capabilities. I also had a bit of trepidation, fearing both the complexity (as I perceived it) of these platforms and AI’s implications for the world as I know it. I left Denver feeling equipped to use a variety of different AI tools for different projects. But I also left hopeful—hopeful that AI will help educators rather than replace them; that AI will improve student learning rather than destroy it; and that AI’s reach and utility will depend on the humans who understand how to make it useful. What’s more, I know that magnet schools—and their teachers and students—will play a vital role in the future of AI and education.
In addition to fascinating pieces from MSA members and other experts who presented in Denver, this issue of Distinct by Design includes articles from our magnet community that touch on other magnet pillars, such as family and community partnerships and leadership.
I hope you enjoy this issue of Distinct by Design. And please consider contributing to a future issue. You can email submissions to communications@magnet.edu.
Raise the level of performance consistent throughout school districts nationwide and creates a platform from which all magnet schools can flourish. Magnet Schools of America’s national certification process is designed to recognize the hard work of the best magnet schools in the nation and to help them as they grow.
