AI pilot program brings ‘future ready’ learning to Springfield and West Springfield

Springfield and West Springfield schools are among 30 districts in Massachusetts chosen to test a new artificial intelligence curriculum for middle and high school students.

The pilot program builds on earlier efforts to train teachers and is part of a statewide push to bring AI learning into classrooms.

Earlier this year, educators took part in "Future Ready: AI in the Classroom," an effort to help them grasp the impact of artificial intelligence.

Now, those teachers will be among the first to test out the new curriculum, according to a statement from the Executive Office of Education.

The semester-long course, "Principles of Artificial Intelligence," introduces students to how AI works and how it is being used in real life.

Students will learn through hands-on projects, group work and discussions about how AI affects people and society.

They'll explore how AI is used in science, engineering and medicine, and learn how to use tools like large language models to be creative and think critically. No prior computer science experience is needed, the statement said.

This year, the program will support 45 teachers and reach about 1,600 students across Massachusetts, the release said. The pilot is expected to grow in future years, giving more schools a chance to join.

The project is supported by Project Lead The Way, a nonprofit that helps schools teach science, technology, engineering and math. So far, more than 350 schools in the state use the lessons, and over 1,500 teachers have received training.

Springfield High School of Science and Technology. (Aprell Munford / The Republican)Aprell Munford / The Republican

State leaders say the pilot fits into the state's larger plan to expand STEM education. The Healey-Driscoll administration says it hopes to give all students access to high-tech learning that prepares them for the future.

"Massachusetts is a leader in innovation education because we know that our students are the next generation of problem-solvers and changemakers," Gov. Maura Healey said in a statement.

"This pilot will give them hands-on opportunities to explore AI, strengthen their creativity and critical thinking and prepare them to lead our state into the future," Healey said.

Education Secretary Patrick Tutwiler said the partnership is about more than testing a new course — it's about helping students think critically about how artificial intelligence affects their lives and democracy.

"By coupling educator training with a cutting-edge curriculum, we are equipping students with both the technical skills and the ethical grounding to use AI responsibly and creatively in college, careers and civic life."

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