AI use in the classroom scrutinized

CLINTONVILLE – Christopher Hoffmann, member of the Clintonville Board of Education, questioned why district administration is purchasing parts of Brisk AI tools without first consulting the board. 

Hoffmann questioned Clintonville Superintendent Troy Kuhn about the purchase when the board met, Sept. 14. The security of information pertaining to students in the district was one of the concerns Hoffmann cited.

At the meeting, Kuhn reminded the board that it had approved artificial intelligence (AI) guidance for district students and staff at the board’s Aug. 10 meeting. He then told the board that the district is purchasing “parts” of Brisk AI tools for district teachers to use.

“Brisk AI empowers teachers to deliver more personalized and engaging instruction while giving students tools to become more independent learners,” Kuhn told the board about the advantages of Brisk AI.

Hoffmann said when he researched Brisk AI, he found that it has the ability to help with curriculum, lesson planning, email generators, syllabus, IEP goals, newsletters, feedback, letter of recommendation, and math paperwork that gets sent to the state. He added that on average it is expected to save each teacher 10 hours per week, with more time saved for English and math teachers.

Hoffmann asked if the 7.5 hours allowed to teachers each week for pre-planning would still be needed with the addition of Brisk AI.

Kuhn said the 7.5 hours for pre-planning would still be available to teachers. He said the main goal for the district using Brisk AI would be to “have it help us create or modify lesson plans.”

“When it comes to all the other stuff, I sure hope we’re not having AI teaching students for us,” Kuhn said.

Hoffmann also expressed concerns about Brisk AI being allowed to retain information about students for 19 months after the termination of the contract, and any information submitted by teachers for up to six years.

Kuhn said teachers would be directed to not input student data such as student names.

Board member Jason Moder asked what the guarantee was that student information would not be entered into Brisk AI.

Kuhn said if a teacher would enter such data, which would be a breach of confidentiality of student records. That could be punishable with termination.

“That’s why we need to have professional development with this,” Kuhn said.

Back to Brisk AI saving teachers 10 hours a week, Hoffmann said he would have a hard time justifying the board approving overloads for teachers.

Board President Ben Huber said the Brisk AI saving 10 hours of work time each week is “propaganda” pushed by the company.

“It’s not to take over the role of the teacher, it’s to help the teacher be more effective in the classroom,” Kuhn said.

Hoffmann said he was “shocked” that the district purchased Brisk AI before the board discussed the purchase.

“I’m going to say that this is what’s best for our teachers to most effectively use their time,” Kuhn said.

He added, “If you want to approve every single purchase the technology department makes or I make, our board meetings are going to be five hours. I mean, I have to make a decision, the team has to make a decision, our leadership teams need to make a decision.”

Hoffmann responded, “On a controversial issue like this, I have a feeling a lot of parents will ask for an opt-out form, and I don’t know that that form even exists.”

Kuhn asked why there would be an opt-out form for something that helps teachers maximize their efficiency.

Using information about students in Brisk AI could prompt some parents to want to opt-out, Hoffman responded. 

Kuhn reiterated that that type of information will not be entered into Brisk AI.

Moder asked if teachers have already been trained on Brisk AI.

Kuhn said Brisk AI has been purchased, and he is informing the board about the purchase. The next step is for teachers to be trained on the uses of Brisk AI.

“It’s no different than buying curriculum,” Kuhn said.

He added that he sensed there is disagreement about the Brisk AI purchase. If that is the case, Kuhn said that topic can be added to the agenda of the next board meeting.

“I’m really hard pressed right now that we’re having a discussion over what leadership in this district knows what’s best for students,” Kuhn said.

Hoffmann asked Kuhn to assemble a list of Brisk AI capabilities that the district would be using and bring it to the next board meeting.

Kuhn said he would do that. 

Board member Mark Zachow said he feels Hoffmann is trying to micromanage the district’s administration.

“Asking for accountability and making sure that the students’ safety, doesn’t seem like a micromanagement issue in a digital world that we live,” Hoffmann said.