Schools are increasingly using artificial intelligence to support teaching and learning. Albuquerque Public Schools has integrated AI tools into literacy and classroom instruction. However, some parents have raised concerns about privacy, screen time, and the potential effects on students.
APS uses Amira, a state-required literacy assessment and early dyslexia screener, to evaluate students in kindergarten through third grade. The program listens as students read, provides educators with diagnostic data, and includes a tutoring component.
Early results are encouraging, district officials said.
At the end of the school year, 29.2% of first-grade students in groups identified in the Yazzie-Martinez decision, along with African American students, scored proficient or above. The students exceeded the district’s annual target by 6.2 percentage points.
Among second graders in the same student groups, 33% reached proficiency, exceeding the district’s target by 8.7 percentage points.
APS is also preparing to launch Magic School, another AI platform. According to the platform’s website, Magic School helps teachers plan lessons, support learners, and give meaningful feedback. Schools and districts use it to integrate AI into learning in a way that’s “safe, visible, and aligned to how they already work.”
“It has some AI components. It’s going to help our teachers plan more interpersonal, interdisciplinary units, like when you get into what we’re calling deeper learning experiences, where kids are connecting content to real-world relevance, that’s going to be able to help support us,” said Deputy Superintendent for Leadership and Learning Randy Mahlerwein.
AI Use Raises Questions
APS, meanwhile, acknowledged concerns about students using AI to complete assignments. Officials said APS is monitoring tools such as ChatGPT and Claude. They said teachers are also developing strategies to prevent misuse and set expectations for responsible AI use.
Some parents remain concerned about Amira. They have questioned the program’s use of student voice recordings and the amount of time children spend using it.
“I want to send my kid into school knowing that she’s going to be learning and not otherwise being harmed,” APS parent Cassie Fleming said. “I don’t feel that confident that she’s not being harmed when we have these requirements that she needs to spend so much time in front of Amira.”
District officials said the New Mexico Public Education Department currently requires schools to use Amira. They encouraged families with questions about the statewide requirement to contact the department.
