The Forum for Educational Leadership

ICYMI earlier - The 2024 Nation’s Report Card results for math and reading in 4th and 8th grade will be released to the public on January 29, 2025. As Chair of R&D, this release holds incredible importance to me - it’s a chance to not only ensure we all deeply understand these results but to see meaningful action on the other side. Learn more at - https://lnkd.in/gHY2WXMD

BIG NEWS: The Nation’s Report Card, #NAEP24, will be released January 29, 2025! This is more than just a test—it’s a vital measure of how well our schools serve students across the country. It provides data to guide policy, chart progress, and ensure every student has the chance to succeed. Learn more at National Assessment Governing Board -   https://lnkd.in/gT6F99Gk  

🎄12 Leaders of The Forum, Day 6: Dr. Dana Arreola! Superintendent of Bessemer City Schools serving 3,200 students, Dr. Dana Arreola was in Cohort 2! #WomenLeadingEd Be part of our next cohort: https://lnkd.in/eAGXkAZR

As an Olympian, Lara knows what it takes to build strong teams, adapt to change, and perform under pressure. Her unique perspective will help ILO Group empower leaders to pursue bold goals and transform outcomes for students, systems, and communities. At ILO Group we’re committed to redefining leadership in education, and Lara’s addition to our team is yet another way we’re delivering powerful, differentiated support to our partners. We can’t wait to see the incredible contributions Lara Dallman Weiss OLY will make as part of the ILO Group team. Welcome aboard, Lara! Learn more about her inspiring role here:

🎄12 Leaders of The Forum, Day 5: Dr. George Hummer! The Cohort 1 alum now leads 48,000 students at Frederick County Public Schools! Shape the future: https://lnkd.in/eAGXkAZR

Congratulations to #WeAreTheForum alum Courtney Morawski for being named the Lone Finalist for Superintendent at Granbury ISD! This remarkable achievement is a testament to your dedication and vision for educational excellence. #WomenLeadingEd

🎄12 Leaders of The Forum, Day 4: Yolonda C. Brown! From Cohort 2 to Superintendent of Petersburg City Public Schools, now serving 4,200 students! #WomenLeadingEd Transform your career, apply today: https://lnkd.in/eAGXkAZR

#AI in K-12 education is here, and it’s poised transform learning, operations, and decision-making in schools. But with great potential comes great responsibility for mitigating risk to maximize AI’s benefits. In a new guest blog on Devansh Devansh’s Artificial Intelligence Made Simple Laura Smith and I talk risk mitigation, opportunities, and what leaders must do to harness AI safely. Read the full piece here: https://lnkd.in/eimvrar8 According to Consortium for School Networking (CoSN) 2024 survey: ✅ 97% of EdTech leaders see benefits in AI. ✅ 35% of districts already have generative AI initiatives. But the risks? New cyberattacks (63%), cyberbullying (47%), & lack of teacher #AI training (49%). Privacy is also a major concern. A Maryland high school ran a student’s paper through GPTZero to check for AI plagiarism without consent. The result: Potential #FERPA violations & student privacy infringements. Schools must tread carefully with third-party AI tools. #AI bias is real. AI mirrors societal biases found in its training data. This can widen disparities. But the *opportunities* are enormous: 🎯 Personalized learning tailored to individual learners with stronger coaching abilities. 📊 Faster, more accurate assessments and data insights. 📚 Streamlined administrative tasks like HR and grant management. The key: Ethical and intentional implementation. To support education leaders, ILO Group created TWO #AI Frameworks for districts and states - see here: https://lnkd.in/eQcF8sph These are living documents, evolving with AI advancements. These frameworks focus on 4 key areas: 1) Political: Governance, ethics, and privacy. 2) Operational: AI literacy, training, and communication. 3) Technical: Infrastructure readiness, safety, and security. 4) Fiscal: Sustainable and adequate funding. Schools need technical partnerships to navigate this AI era. AI Assurance Labs can assess safety & ethical risks. Systems must be in place to detect & respond to deepfakes or AI-generated threats. Data security & transparency are non-negotiable. Education leaders must balance competing priorities, starting with clear goals, not just tools. The time to act is now. AI is reshaping education, and leaders, educators, and technical experts must work together to ensure this generational opportunity isn’t wasted.

🎄12 Leaders of The Forum, Day 3: Dr. Gabriella Duran-Blakey, Ed.D. Now the Superintendent of Albuquerque Public Schools, leading 70,400 students, Dr. Gabriella Durán Blakey, joined us in Cohort 3! #WomenLeadingEd Start your journey, apply today: https://lnkd.in/eAGXkAZR

I know that I am a better leader today for having the learned with and from the experienced and talented leaders in The Forum for Educational Leadership. Being a part of a network of leaders from across the country who are unapologetically focused on student outcomes while supporting our educators, engaging with our communities, and partnering with families, is what we are all about. The Forum for Educational Leadership helps prepare you for that next step. If you thinking you are ready, this is for you! I am lucky to have a network of people who not only believed in and mentored me, but sponsored me as well. #WeAreTheForum #WomenLeadingEd