Austin’s Alpha School uses A.I.

HERE’S HOW IT’S GOING IN THE CLASSROOM

By now, you’ve probably heard a few horror stories about how artificial intelligence will impact education. Tech savvy students will direct tools like ChatGPT to create chat-assisted essays and ask A.I.-powered tools to complete homework assignments without ever having to actually learn. Well, A.I. is already in use here in Austin at Alpha School and the reality couldn’t be more different from what you’ve read. In fact, what’s happening at this innovative school may provide a rare glimpse into the future of education.

Started in 2016 by a group of education and technology professionals wanting to reimagine education, Alpha School uses adaptive technology that adjusts to each student’s needs. Students learn at their own pace and educational “guides” step in when they get stuck or need motivation. Students learn reading, math, science, and language arts using apps that adjust to their personal learning style. They sit in noise-canceling phone booths, cubby cubes or communal workspaces, wherever they’re most comfortable to learn -- and it works. Alpha now has several years of data under its belt and the results are impressive. Their students learn two times faster than kids in a traditional classroom. They learn in two hours what it takes most schools a full day to teach, so students free up valuable time to acquire life skills like financial literacy, critical thinking, and public speaking. When it comes to academic performance, the outcomes compare to the top 1 percent of schools nationwide. The student body, as a whole in 2022, scored in the 99th percentile in science on the Texas MAP tests and scored in the 90th+ percentile in all other subjects. high morale. Jack Henry will attend Anderson High School next school year.

Turns out, Artificial Intelligence is creating actual intelligence at Alpha.

This summer, Alpha School is running an A.I. summer camp to acquaint students with the learning style of the future and help them jump ahead in their learning through a fun, engaging program. Alpha School is located at 1201 Spyglass Dr. in Austin and has a few remaining camp spots available. Call 512-3581672 for info or see alpha. school online.

The James Edward Horne Medal recipient was Izaiah Mack. This medal honors the graduate who leads with faith, convictions, courage, humor, and wisdom. Izaiah will attend St. Michael’s Catholic Academy next school year.

The Jane Ferguson Hill Medal was awarded to Aven O’Hara. This medal honors a graduate for total contribution to the life of the school. Like Jane herself, this student is the personification of Trinity’s four core values: Christian Foundation, Enriched Academic Excellence, Diverse Community, and Commitment to Family. Aven will attend St. Andrew’s Episcopal School next school year.

Congratulations to the medal winners and to the entire Trinity Class of 2023!