Springfield Educators Seek Moratorium on AI in Schools

The Springfield Education Association is organizing a petition for a moratorium on new AI technology affecting students and school staff, according to MassLive. The union plans to present the petition to the Springfield School Committee.

The campaign follows plans by Kiley Prep and John F. Kennedy middle schools to pilot a program from Alpha School. The proposed model placed academic instruction in a two hour digital block, with the rest of the school day reserved for projects focused on life skills.

The pilot was halted after union opposition and other disruptions, including a cyberattack on the district network. Educators, parents and students raised concerns about limited evidence of effectiveness, reduced interaction with teachers, AI accuracy and support for students with disabilities.

The school department planned to keep a licensed teacher in the classroom. The Alpha School model uses a guide who does not need to be a certified teacher to assist students.