ASU Learning Transformation Survey Engages LA County Education Leaders at the 2023 Superintendents' Professional Collaborative

Debra Duardo, M.S.W, Ed.D., the Los Angeles County Superintendent of Schools, called AI "one of the most transformational shifts challenging all of us as we look to prepare our students for future careers, while also adjusting our work practices to take advantage of new technologies."

Consequently, selecting "AI in Education Demystified" as the theme for the 2023 Superintendents' Professional Collaborative was apt.
 
This annual event, hosted by the Los Angeles County Office of Education, invited school district superintendents and their leadership cabinets from across Los Angeles County to explore the implications of AI and emerging technologies for their students, parents, and educators.
 
The gathering on October 27, 2023, at the Spotify Headquarters in the Arts District of Downtown Los Angeles, featured remarks from Dr. Duardo, a keynote from Google Solutions Engineer Clay Smith that included an AI 101 demonstration, a presentation from F3 Law on AI's legal considerations for districts and schools, table talk discussions, and an award ceremony recognizing the 2023 Superintendent of the Year, Gudiel Crosthwaite, Ph.D., from the Lynwood Unified School District.
 
Alan Arkatov, Executive Director of the ASU Learning Transformation Studios and Senior Advisor to ASU's President, discussed the Studios' mission to foster an environment that accelerates education transformation. He underscored the ASU Charter and the university's commitment to Principled Innovation as guiding principles for their work. Arkatov described ASU as "the most inclusive, exclusive university in the country" and explained that the university's presence in California is to assist the superintendents in addressing their ongoing challenges and innovating in a manner that enhances educational outcomes for all learners.
 
Arkatov emphasized that collaboration and mutual support are essential to overcoming the significant challenges facing education and capitalizing on the opportunities presented by AI and other emerging technologies. He assured the crowd that the Studios and ASU are ready to assist by leveraging all of the resources and expertise of America's largest and most innovative university.
 
During his presentation, Arkatov invited participants to complete a brief survey using their phones about how the Studios and ASU could better assist them and the needs of their districts. The results revealed that most school districts are grappling with similar challenges and would benefit from the support of ASU and other local higher learning institutions.
 
The survey identified some of the superintendents' most pressing needs, including developing the educator workforce pipeline, expanding professional development opportunities, finding solutions for innovation challenges such as AI deployment, and assisting with communications and messaging.
 
Arkatov reminded the audience that ASU and its partners have already designed programs and expertise for addressing these issues, and the university is eager to bring those innovations to their districts.