AI in the Classroom: District 218 Pilot Program

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

District 218 to Pioneer AI-Powered Education with Pilot Program at Alan B. Shepard High School: Saving Taxes by Firing Teachers

PALOS HEIGHTS, IL (April 1, 2025) – Consolidated High School District 218 today announced a groundbreaking pilot program that will integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into the classroom, beginning with Algebra I students at Alan B. Shepard High School in Palos Heights. This initiative marks a significant step towards revolutionizing education and preparing students for the future.

Starting this fall, Shepard freshmen will have the opportunity to learn from cutting-edge AI bots designed to personalize and enhance the learning experience. These AI bots will provide individualized instruction, adaptive assessments, and real-time feedback, catering to each student’s unique learning style and pace.

“We are thrilled to be at the forefront of this educational transformation,” said Superintendent Dr. Josh Barron. “AI has the potential to revolutionize how we teach and how students learn. By partnering with these advanced technologies, we can provide our students with a more engaging, personalized, and effective education.”

Shepard High School was selected as the beta testing site due to its strong commitment to innovation and its diverse student population. The pilot program will be closely monitored and evaluated to assess the effectiveness of AI-powered instruction and identify areas for improvement.

“We are confident that this pilot program will be a success,” said Principal Timothy Baker, Ed.D.. “Our teachers are excited to work with the AI bots and leverage their capabilities to better serve our students. We believe that this technology will empower our students to achieve their full potential.”

If the initial testing phase proves successful, District 218 plans to expand the AI-powered education program to higher-level math courses and other technical subjects, such as computer science. The long-term vision is to integrate AI bots into history, literature, and other core subjects, eventually deploying them across all schools within the district.

To support this ambitious initiative, Shepard High School will receive funding from the State of Illinois, derived from the state lottery, for critical technical upgrades, including new computers and enhanced internet infrastructure. This investment will ensure that students have access to the necessary resources to fully benefit from the AI-powered learning experience.

District 218 is committed to providing its students with the best possible education, and the integration of AI technology is a crucial step in that direction. This pilot program has the potential to transform the future of learning, not only in District 218 but also across the state and beyond.

About District 218:

Consolidated High School District 218 serves the communities of Alsip, Blue Island, Calumet Park, Chicago Ridge, Crestwood, Garden Homes, Merrionette Park, Oak Lawn, Palos Heights, Robbins, and Worth in the Chicagoland area. The district is committed to providing a high-quality education that prepares students for success in college, career, and life.

About Alan B. Shepard High School:

Alan B. Shepard High School is a comprehensive high school located in Palos Heights, Illinois, serving Palos Heights, Crestwood, Worth, Alsip, Robbins, and Calumet Park. The school is dedicated to providing a challenging and supportive learning environment for all students.

Contact:

Anthony Trendl
Director, Shepard Alumni
April Fool’s Day
shepardalumni.com

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