Why AI Detectors Fail and How We Can Foster AI Fluency Instead
The question isn’t if students will use AI. It’s how. While AI literacy has been the baseline, aiming for AI fluency, where students not only understand but can critically engage with AI, is now crucial. Currently, some schools use AI detectors to address cheating, but these tools are flawed, often mislabeling work and disproportionately affecting…
Computer Science Programs Continue to Draw Educators
KCI recognized the need for computer science professional development programs over four years ago, even as schools and districts were still trying to determine how CS fits within their curriculum offerings. Last September, the State Board of Education adopted California’s first-ever computer science standards. Although not mandatory, these standards are expected to increase the number…
KCI’s NGSS Program Supports the New Standards for Science
Clunk! Swish! Tong… TONG! These are the sounds participants in the KCI NGSS Program hear as they bump ordinary clothes hangers, connected to short pieces of string, against different surfaces in the classroom. After two minutes of self-directed exploration, the students are “hooked” by this phenomenon! Questions begin to form: Why are the sounds so…
KCI Makerspace Coordinator Program a Hit
Over fifty people are on track to receive their Makerspace Coordinator Certificates after the KCI held three, week-long intensives this summer. The Certificate marks the completion of 18 units of coursework, and is one of only two in California that is state approved. Participants hailed from all over California and came from many diverse backgrounds,…
The New MERIT Program 2.0
The MERIT program launched with a new name this year: Making Education Relevant through Innovative Teaching. A total of 42 educators from all over the Bay Area, California, and beyond (coming from as far away as Hawaii and El Salvador) gathered together at KCI for a two-week summer intensive in July. This marked the beginning…
Microsoft Supports CS Program & Workshops
For the last three years, KCI’s Computer Science Crash Course for Educators has been a hit with educators who want to learn more about how to integrate CS into their curriculum and classrooms. And last September, the State Board of Education adopted California’s first-ever computer science standards. Although not mandatory, these standards are expected to…
Popular FAME Program Expands to East Bay
KCI is extending the reach of its math professional learning program, FAME (Faculty Academy for Mathematics Excellence), for middle and high school teachers. After nine years of recruiting teachers from Santa Clara and San Mateo counties, FAME will take place in Alameda at Saint Philip Nerit Catholic School with the intent of reaching more teachers…
CIO Program: A New Breed of Education Execs
KCI kicked off its first Chief Innovation Officer (CIO) program in summer 2018. Seventeen educators from across the state participated in this 27-unit program that trains educators to fill a real need at the school district level—a new breed of cabinet-level educational leaders who are also sufficiently trained in IT infrastructure. With appropriately trained leaders,…
Two Makerspace Coordinator Cohorts Graduate
Makerspaces are rapidly being implemented by schools, school districts, libraries, and community centers throughout the Bay Area, creating a need for trained staff to plan, implement, and run these spaces. KCI founded its own makerspace in 2017 and shortly after launched a new state-approved certificate—Makerspace Coordinator. This 10-month, 18-unit program is designed for people who…
Spring 2019 Message from the Executive Director
KCI continues to provide exceptional professional learning programs for educators in Silicon Valley, as well as other communities in California and Hawaii. A highly motivated, well-trained teacher will positively impact upwards of 3,000 students throughout his or her career. We are planning for another busy summer and fall, and anticipate conducting all of our major…
KCI Computer Science Programs Serve Critical Role
A strong demand for computer science (CS) professional development exists in the Bay Area. Parents are requesting that schools offer CS courses, but few teachers are appropriately trained to teach CS. Even though California has not completed its computer science standards for education, it’s clear that teachers are interested in how they can integrate CS…