SFUSD Superintendent Faces Backlash Over AI Push in Classrooms

San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) Superintendent Maria Su faces criticism over her push to deploy AI tools in classrooms, which is part of a larger tech and AI policy being developed by the district. At Salesforce's annual Dreamforce conference, Su spoke about the importance of AI in education, arguing that teachers need these tools to be successful.

The SFUSD has already partnered with OpenAI and deployed its ChatGPT Edu product to 12,000 teachers and staff, and is currently developing a comprehensive tech and AI policy. However, some parents and teachers are wary of the district's move, citing concerns about student screen time, mental health, and critical thinking.

Over 1,000 parents and teachers have signed a petition calling for limiting AI tools in schools, with some arguing that the district is being used as a 'lab' to test these technologies. Critics also point out that there has been no data provided on the costs of AI technologies or their impact on student success rates.

San Francisco Parents Coalition Communications Director Emily de Ayora said that while they are not opposed to tech tools, they want the district to be more transparent and listen to parents' concerns. United Educators of San Francisco union President Cassondra Curiel also expressed similar sentiments, citing the introduction of AI reading tutoring tool Amira without consulting the union.