Artificial intelligence (AI) tools have become powerful enablers in today’s K-12 schools. They help streamline workflows, personalize learning, and enhance communication between educators, students, and families. At our school, we’ve begun integrating AI through platforms like ClassDojo, where tools such as the built-in Sidekick feature supports our day-to-day work and allow us to stay focused on what matters most: helping students thrive.
On any given day, AI helps us prepare behavior interventions, rewrite classroom updates to be more engaging, and even assist with drafting thoughtful report card comments. These tools are not just timesavers—they are reshaping how we support learning and help students grow.
A recent student case highlighted the power of AI in problem-solving. One child had persistent behavior challenges, and our existing system of tracking behavior every hour wasn’t helping us identify patterns. I entered my observations into the AI assistant, which returned several evidence-based suggestions. Based on one of those, we shifted to a 15-minute tracking window. That adjustment allowed us to pinpoint specific triggers and adjust our approach. After refining the plan over time, we had actionable, measurable results to share with our student support team—something we hadn’t achieved through previous methods alone.
Fostering ownership from a young age
When I first started teaching at this school, I led a second-grade classroom. Later, I transitioned to a first-grade group where I had to build individualized behavior plans from the ground up. These students entered the classroom eager but in need of structure and guidance. With the help of AI tools, I was able to develop clear plans that supported their growth toward becoming independent learners.
My teaching philosophy is grounded in one belief: no matter how young a child is, they can learn to take responsibility for their learning. By scaffolding support and encouraging agency early, we prepare students to make decisions and stay accountable. AI is now one of the tools helping us get there.
Below are four ways we’ve integrated AI in our classrooms to promote independence and improve efficiency:
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Generating more meaningful report card comments In the past, our report card comments lacked specificity. For families to support learning at home, they need clear context and actionable suggestions. AI now allows me to input student progress, strengths, and concerns, and receive a well-structured comment. I still tailor it before sending, but the initial draft gets me 80 percent of the way there. It saves time while improving quality.
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Aligning behavior plans with PBIS Our school follows the Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) framework. AI tools help us quickly generate intervention strategies that align with our schoolwide expectations. Rather than researching from scratch, we input our goals and get back plans that reflect our existing values. This consistency improves implementation and reduces prep time.
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Helping families stay engaged For many families, especially those with children in multiple grades, understanding academic and behavioral progress can feel overwhelming. AI-generated messages help us communicate clearly and effectively. I once had a parent tell me that a report card comment made such an impact that she printed it and hung it on the fridge. That kind of feedback reinforces how small improvements in clarity can build stronger school-home partnerships.
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Saving time for higher-impact work Time is a finite resource for principals and teachers alike. Using AI to generate initial drafts of behavior plans or parent messages means I can focus on refining, not starting from scratch. I can also make quick adjustments to tone or content without losing momentum. What once took hours now takes 20 minutes. That adds up—especially when multiplied across a full school year.
My teaching philosophy is grounded in one belief: no matter how young a child is, they can learn to take responsibility for their learning. By scaffolding support and encouraging agency early, we prepare students to make decisions and stay accountable. AI is now one of the tools helping us get there.
Below are four ways we’ve integrated AI in our classrooms to promote independence and improve efficiency:
-
Generating more meaningful report card comments In the past, our report card comments lacked specificity. For families to support learning at home, they need clear context and actionable suggestions. AI now allows me to input student progress, strengths, and concerns, and receive a well-structured comment. I still tailor it before sending, but the initial draft gets me 80 percent of the way there. It saves time while improving quality.
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Aligning behavior plans with PBIS Our school follows the Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) framework. AI tools help us quickly generate intervention strategies that align with our schoolwide expectations. Rather than researching from scratch, we input our goals and get back plans that reflect our existing values. This consistency improves implementation and reduces prep time.
-
Helping families stay engaged For many families, especially those with children in multiple grades, understanding academic and behavioral progress can feel overwhelming. AI-generated messages help us communicate clearly and effectively. I once had a parent tell me that a report card comment made such an impact that she printed it and hung it on the fridge. That kind of feedback reinforces how small improvements in clarity can build stronger school-home partnerships.
-
Saving time for higher-impact work Time is a finite resource for principals and teachers alike. Using AI to generate initial drafts of behavior plans or parent messages means I can focus on refining, not starting from scratch. I can also make quick adjustments to tone or content without losing momentum. What once took hours now takes 20 minutes. That adds up—especially when multiplied across a full school year.
Looking Forward
In our experience, AI tools have transitioned from “nice to have” to “essential.” What began as a classroom behavior tool has evolved into a tool that supports broader school priorities, including parent engagement, personalized learning, and time management. With thoughtful use, AI has helped us reduce redundant tasks, increase consistency in how we support students, and strengthen our connection with families.
While no technology can replace the human relationships at the heart of education, the right tools can make those relationships stronger. By freeing up time, offering tailored suggestions, and improving communication, AI helps us focus more on what matters—supporting student growth and fostering responsibility from day one.
Our school’s journey with AI is still evolving, but the early results are promising. With intentional implementation, schools can use AI not just to streamline work, but to transform how learning happens.
About the author
Melissa Chapple is a teacher at K12 Virtual Academy
