AI Tools in the Classroom: Why School Pilots Matter More Than Ever

After more than three decades in education, I’ve learned that schools play an important role in driving innovation. So, when Curriculum Associates invited our elementary school to participate in an early research pilot for a voice-enabled literacy AI tool for the classroom, I didn’t hesitate to say yes. Our teachers embrace a culture of experimentation. We try, reflect, redesign, and improve. I tell my students, “We’re risk takers. If we don’t try something new, we’ll never grow.” That mindset made this pilot a natural fit.

Our school serves about 270 students from pre-K through fifth grade. I told my teachers, “We have a chance to be the boots on the ground and influence how this product moves forward.” At first, they were hesitant and wondered what they needed to do. My answer was simple: “Just be present and keep things running. We’ll administer the tasks together.” Our teachers felt reassured when they realized we were partnering with a company they trusted.

What Made the Pilot Experience Unique

Participating in the pilot wasn’t just about trying a new approach to assessing literacy using voice AI. It was about being on the front end of innovation and shaping how technology can meaningfully support teachers and students in real classrooms. It reminded me how powerful collaboration, curiosity, and courage can be when it comes to advancing education.

We weren’t testing the product in a sterile lab. We were in real classrooms with real students. It’s essential that these products work for all students with different dialects and learning needs. That’s what makes in-school pilots so valuable. They give product developers a true picture of what’s happening and allow educators to provide feedback that shapes better tools.

Benefits of Pilots for Teachers and Students

One of the biggest benefits I saw for our teachers was professional growth and a sense of true partnership. When you’re used to doing things a certain way, it’s hard to let go and trust technology. But being part of this research pilot and having a voice helped teachers step out of their comfort zone to support students’ reading assessments. That kind of mindset shift isn’t easy, but our teachers began to see how the program could free up time for teaching and how getting access to performance data faster could lead to more rapid instructional decisions.

For students, being part of research made them feel lifted and important. One of my favorite moments was watching them light up when they realized they were part of something special. A few asked questions about their role and felt proud, like pioneers—the first to experience this new technology. They compared it to astronauts going to the moon. That sense of ownership and excitement was priceless, and they were invested in the process.

Why Pilots Are Essential for Progress

Participating in pilots not only tests a product and provides a chance for feedback; it builds trust, fosters collaboration, and ensures that tools are designed with educators and students in mind. Here’s why school research pilots matter:

• They support a culture of learning and experimentation.
• They give educators and students a voice in shaping better products.
• They promote professional growth and readiness for future innovations.
• They ensure technology is tested where it matters most—in real classrooms.

As a principal, I believe schools should lead the way in innovation, not just follow. Pilots give us that chance. And when we take them, we’re not just preparing for the future—we’re helping to shape it.

Learn more about Curriculum Associates’ vision for voice-enabled literacy tasks. 

Other Recommended Resources for You:
From Assessment to Intervention—Insights from a Reading Specialist
Safeguarding Students—Why Responsible AI in Education Is Essential
Voice AI Tools in the Classroom: 5 Practical Questions