Navigating the New Frontier: How Southwest Michigan Schools Are Tackling AI

Teachers at St. Joseph Public Schools are piloting new AI tools to create more collaborative and efficient learning environments for students.

 This article was created with the assistance of an AI, using a news report from WSBT 22 as a primary source.

The bell is ringing for a new school year, and in Southwest Michigan, it's heralding a new era of education—one deeply intertwined with Artificial Intelligence. As students become more adept at using AI tools to generate homework and essays, school districts like Coloma Community Schools and St. Joseph Public Schools are moving beyond simply banning the technology. Instead, they're developing thoughtful strategies to navigate this new digital frontier, aiming to harness AI's power while safeguarding the core principles of learning.

The central challenge is clear: how to use AI as a helpful assistant rather than a substitute for critical thinking. Both districts acknowledge that avoiding AI is not a viable long-term solution. Their approaches, however, highlight two different philosophies for integrating this powerful technology into the classroom.

Coloma's Cautious Stance: "Process, Don't Think"

At Coloma Community Schools, the initial approach is one of caution. Superintendent Dave Ehlers has rolled out a new policy that, for now, disallows AI for homework and classwork. This isn't a permanent ban, but a strategic pause. The goal is to give teachers time to understand and evaluate various AI tools before deciding which can be used safely and effectively.

Ehlers emphasizes the distinction between assistance and reliance. "It's a tool we want our kids to be able to learn, but we don't want them to rely on it for thinking," he stated. "[We] want it to help them process more than think."

This policy was prompted by a noticeable increase in AI-generated essays. In response, the district is adopting new detection software that analyzes writing styles and can identify cut-and-paste content, moving beyond simple plagiarism checks. To further manage technology in the classroom, Coloma High School has also implemented a new rule this year that prohibits students from having cell phones in class.

St. Joseph's Phased Integration: Piloting the Future

St. Joseph Public Schools is taking a more exploratory path. They see AI's potential to be a time-saver and a learning enhancer for both students and staff. Their strategy involves a three-year phased rollout, starting with pilot programs to test specific AI tools in a controlled environment.

Assistant Superintendent Amy Dirlam envisions tools that can help students brainstorm ideas or generate instant feedback on a thesis statement, freeing up teachers to provide more individualized attention. "So perhaps it might be something that's helping with writing and generating feedback and helping students ideate," she explained.

This year, about 10 to 20 secondary-level teachers will participate in pilots across different subjects. The district is investing in outside consulting, professional development, and speakers to support its educators. As teachers report back on their experiences, the district's AI policy will evolve, gradually integrating proven tools and excluding others.

A Shared Goal for the Digital Age

While their methods differ, both Coloma and St. Joseph share a common objective: to prepare students for a world where AI is ubiquitous. They recognize that the conversation isn't about if AI should be in schools, but how. By actively creating policies, providing teacher training, and focusing on the integrity of the learning process, these districts are turning a potential challenge into a powerful opportunity for growth and innovation. As teachers undergo further AI training this October, the blueprint for 21st-century learning in Southwest Michigan will continue to take shape.