Cheshire Academy's AI classroom playbook

The article profiles Cheshire Academy as a case study in how schools can adapt to generative AI without a one-size-fits-all mandate. The school's decision to train staff on general techniques rather than prescribe specific tools reflects a broader uncertainty among educators about how to integrate AI meaningfully. Teachers use AI primarily for administrative tasks like lesson planning and rubric creation, while avoiding its use for student-facing feedback due to concerns about quality and personalization.

A notable element is the school's emphasis on student reflection. French teacher Miriam Przybyla-Baum, with nearly 30 years of experience, developed assignments where students critique AI edits to their work and anonymously grade each other's AI-assisted work. These techniques have been adopted school-wide, culminating in the traffic-light labelling system and the pilot 'Student AI Council.' This approach positions students as active participants in defining appropriate AI use, rather than passive recipients of policy.

The article also highlights the practical economics of AI tools in education. MagicSchool's individual plan at just under $100 per year offers unlimited access, while general-purpose chatbots from companies like Anthropic, Google, and OpenAI are also used for administrative tasks, with some rolling out school-specific features to mixed results. This suggests schools are navigating a fragmented market, balancing specialized tools with general-purpose alternatives.