Think First, Then AI

IN THIS ISSUE

🎙️ New episode: an FAA AI scientist on raising kids in the age of AI

📰 Journalism class as an antidote to AI shortcuts

🗽 NYC’s AI ban list and the confusion around it

🔐 ETS is being sued over the student data breach

🏆 Big news: I made the Top 15!

EPISODE 377 · PARENTING & AI

How to Raise Kids in the Age of AI (From an AI Scientist Mom)

with Crevita Moody

Crevita didn’t touch a computer until she was 13 and didn’t own one until she was 21. Today she’s the first African American woman data scientist at the FAA, working on AI in mission-critical systems. Her point: the skills that got her there had nothing to do with screen time, and they matter even more for kids growing up with AI.

We talked about the skills that never go out of style (critical thinking, attention to detail, communication, and regulating your emotions), the narrowly focused AI tools she uses with her six-year-old son, why “just program the AI not to do that” isn’t how neural networks work, and how she calms AI anxiety by reading the source instead of the headlines. She also shares the story behind her books, including Which Way to Smart, which earned a Kirkus Star.

✅ Try this Monday: The next time a student asks something you could look up in seconds, answer with a question first: “What do you think? How could we find out?”

Or listen on Apple Podcasts · Spotify

CRITICAL THINKING · ESCHOOL NEWS

AI Is Stealing Students’ Ability to Think Critically. Journalism 101 May Be an Antidote

The story: Sireesha Rutter teaches journalism at Jupiter Middle School in Florida. Pointing to a Brookings report warning that overreliance on AI could stunt critical thinking before students build it, she makes the case for the newsroom. Her sixth graders learn to judge sources, spot bias, and check facts. By seventh and eighth grade they’re reporting real stories, chasing quotes, and making their own ethical calls.

My take: This is Crevita’s message from Ep. 377, put into practice. No need to ban AI here; build the habits first so students can tell when the AI is wrong. You don’t need a journalism class to start, either. A “source check” routine in any subject gets students asking: Who said this? How do they know? Whose voice is missing? And for our bilingual students, comparing how English and Spanish outlets cover the same story is critical thinking at its best.

AI POLICY · CHALKBEAT

NYC Barred 38 AI Tools in Schools. Some Companies Say They Shouldn’t Be on the List

The story: After more than a month of requests, Chalkbeat obtained the list of 38 ed tech products whose AI features New York City is shutting off for students under its new restrictions. Some are banned outright, like the AI reading tutor Amira. Others can return once their AI features are disabled. Several companies say they don’t even use student-facing generative AI and aren’t sure why they were flagged, and critics are asking for a clearer, more transparent vetting process.

My take: I appreciate NYC slowing down to ask what these tools actually do. But a policy without clear criteria leaves teachers, families, and vendors guessing. If your district is writing AI guidance, publish how you decide, not just what you decide. And watch the English learner carveouts. The tools that support our multilingual students deserve a careful review, not a blanket yes or no.

🔐 STUDENT PRIVACY · GOVERNMENT TECHNOLOGY

ETS Sued Over Data Breach Affecting Current, Former California Students

The story: A follow-up to last issue: a proposed class action filed Oct. 20 accuses ETS of failing to protect the data of an estimated 7 million current and former California public school students. The suit claims negligence and invasion of privacy, and it seeks damages and court-ordered security improvements. One of the plaintiffs’ attorneys said basic authentication and access controls would have prevented the breach.

My take: A lawsuit won’t undo the exposure, and the families most affected, especially our immigrant and English learner families, may not see the fallout for years. That’s why the three vendor questions from last issue still matter: Is multi-factor authentication required? How long do you keep records of students who have left? Who do you notify, and how fast? Ask them before your next renewal, not after a headline.

🏆 BIG NEWS

I Made the TOP 15!

Friends, thank you for every vote, share, and word of encouragement. You helped get me here, and I’m so grateful!

For over six years, I’ve poured my heart and countless hours into My EdTech Life. Behind every conversation is a commitment to amplify authentic educator voices and bring their stories, experiences, and ideas to the forefront. My hope is that these conversations help us grow professionally and personally, and feel more connected in the work we do.

Your support could help those voices reach even further. Let’s keep going and make it to the next round! You can vote once a day. Please keep voting and invite a friend to join us!

Thank you for showing up for me and this community. It means so much.

Know an educator who needs this?

Forward this email to a teacher, coach, librarian, parent, or district leader. If someone shared it with you, you can subscribe for free.

More conversations at myedtech.life