AI with Intention · An Intentional Approach to AI in Schools

The Core Tensions

Why an intentional approach — and why now?

AI tools are designed to process information quickly and eliminate struggle. But:

Effective teaching requires intentional decisions by educators to align curriculum & instruction with students' opportunities to learn.

Effective learning requires slowing down and investing in the time, strategy, and productive struggle necessary to learn with agency & integrity.

An intentional approach to AI addresses these tensions by emphasizing principles of effective leadership, teaching, and learning rather than the bells & whistles of the tools themselves.

Guiding Principles · An Interactive Exploration

What strategic choices can we make?

The impact of AI on teaching and learning won't be determined by the tools that are purchased or blocked; it will be determined by the choices we make that guide decisions about curriculum, instruction, assessment, and school culture. Select a path under each Guiding Principle to see how that choice is likely to impact teaching and learning. (Guiding Principles from AI with Intention, Frontier, 2025.)

For School Leaders · which path will you choose?

Essential question: How can leaders build capacity to ensure AI tools are used to effectively support intentional teaching and learning?

For Teachers · which path will you choose?

Essential question: How can teachers and students use AI tools in ways that support, rather than undermine, effective teaching and learning?

A Readiness Reflection

Where is our school or district today?

These six questions are a starting point to understand the phases of an intentional approach to AI. Each of your answers is a starting point to reflect on current efforts or to take next steps.

The Four-Phase Process

What are the steps toward a systemic, intentional approach to AI?

A systemic approach moves beyond purchasing AI solutions & deterrents or ensuring statutory compliance. Explore each phase and check the items your team has addressed — implementation is a recursive and reflective process, so return to earlier phases regularly. Each phase is anchored by Guiding Principles from AI with Intention.

Your Next Step

How can we move from reflection to action?

The AI Center's Implementation Toolkit provides the four-phase planning process, action steps, and examples of framing documents for guidelines, boundaries, effective use cases, and core commitments for staff, teachers, and students. Select a link below to see the full toolkit or to contact Tony Frontier, the Director of the AI Center for Effective Teaching & Learning.

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