AI x Coherence

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AI x Coherence Framework

AI has the potential to support educator efficiency, enhance instruction and help systems serve students, teachers and staff in new ways. Many educators are eager to adopt new AI-driven tools and approaches; however, thoughtful and coherent integration is essential to ensure that AI enhances—rather than disrupts or detracts from—effective teaching and learning and system-level efforts. Coherence—an approach and mindset that consciously addresses fragmentation to create a better learning experience for all students—is a crucial part of successful education initiatives and a key lever for meaningful AI integration.

The AIxCoherence Framework builds on key learnings that Education First has identified through our work supporting clients with coherent AI exploration, integration and enhancements:

  • Frame the Problem: Clearly define the challenge that AI is meant to address. Implementing AI without this clarity can lead to misaligned solutions. Early stakeholder engagement and a focus on genuine needs improves the chances of meaningful impact.
  • Explore Solutions: Identify AI solutions that enhance, rather than disrupt, coherence. AI has the potential to strengthen instructional approaches and system-wide efforts, but if not carefully implemented, risks fragmenting learning experiences.
  • Learn Forward: Embrace a learning mindset to experiment, adapt and grow from both successes and mistakes in AI exploration and integration as new AI insights emerge. Regularly assess risks and biases of emerging AI technologies to ensure equitable and effective outcomes.

The framework below illustrates an approach that can be taken to ensure AI integration is both cohesive and impactful.

Continuum loop showing AI framework

AI x Coherence Academy

Education First is excited to announce the AIxCoherence Academy, a 9-month program for districts and CMOs to explore integrating AI into teaching, learning and system-level efforts to solve real-world challenges.

Participating districts will receive a $25,000 AI Exploration Grant.

Apply here!

Through cross-district/CMO learning experiences and personalized coaching, participating teams will develop the skills to evaluate AI opportunities, integrate them in ways that align with their broader educational goals and explore innovative solutions with their peers.

Districts/CMOs will select cross-functional teams to participate in a two-and-a-half-day, in-depth workshop, followed by ongoing 1:1 coaching through the spring and summer of 2025. This coaching will support teams in developing and evaluating AI opportunities tailored to their goals.

What You’ll Gain from the AI x Coherence Academy
By participating in the AIxCoherence Academy, your district will:

  • Identify a problem that AI could solve and create an action plan for phased exploration and implementation
  • Strengthen capacity to plan, execute and bring greater coherence to AI-related initiatives
  • Gain hands-on experience applying the AIxCoherence framework to your district or CMO’s AI opportunities
  • Engage in evidence-based dialogue with peers and experts on the opportunities and challenges of integrating AI into a district’s/CMO’s work
  • Access a repository of policies, practices and principles to center student, teacher, parent and community voices and bring coherence to AI exploration and adoption

Program Structure and Benefits

  • A $25,000 grant to kickstart projects focused on exploring the integration of AI-driven solutions. The $25,000 AI Exploration Grant will provide resources to support district/CMO teams’ exploration of potential AI-driven solutions in enhancing teaching and learning. This grant intends to support a broad range of activities focused on problem definition, stakeholder engagement and planning for potential AI integration, ensuring districts/CMOs have the freedom to investigate how AI can best meet their needs.
  • Travel and expenses to attend a two-and-a-half-day, in-person kickoff convening the week of February 10th
  • Up to 12 hours of 1:1 coaching for district/CMO core team
  • Virtual learning opportunities, including expert-led webinars, personalized affinity groups and cohort-based PLCs to engage in real-time learning, skill development and workshopping
  • Networking with other district/CMO leaders from across the country

Learn more about the AIxCoherence Academy here

Additional Resources

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