Wonder Wednesday

This week, we’re highlighting Shanalyn Yeckel, a high school ELA teacher who used SchoolAI to help students analyze poetry! Instead of assigning a single poem, students were able to choose their own.

"Usually, guiding my students through the analysis of their Poetry Out Loud selections is mentally exhausting. With over 120 students, that means analyzing 120 different poems, each requiring individualized support as they identify poetic devices.

This semester, I incorporated SchoolAI to help students recognize figurative language in their chosen poems. They recorded textual evidence onto a structured handout, which became a valuable reference as they transitioned into writing their poetry explication essays. This process allowed them to work more independently while still receiving meaningful guidance. The only challenge? SchoolAI struggled with identifying the emotional tone of each poem—which, of course, makes sense. Emotional nuance is deeply personal and contextual, making it one aspect of analysis that still requires thoughtful human interpretation."

This lesson was a great success—an excellent example of how AI can be used to personalize learning and enhance student engagement!

📌 For Educators:

According to UNESCO’s AI Competency Framework, teachers need AI literacy to guide students effectively. Educators must be able to critically assess AI’s impact on learning, create AI-enhanced learning experiences, and use AI responsibly to support diverse student needs​.

📌 For Students:

The 2024 Graduate Employability Report reveals that 62% of employers now expect job candidates to have foundational AI skills, and 58% are more likely to hire those with AI experience. However, 55% of graduates say their education did not prepare them to use AI tools in the workplace​.

📌 How ESD is Supporting AI Literacy:

At Ellensburg School District, our AI guidelines work to ensure that:

✅ Teachers gain AI literacy through training on ethical, effective AI use.

✅ Students are introduced to AI tools that align with academic integrity, digital citizenship, and workforce preparation.

✅ Classrooms use AI to support, not replace, critical thinking and creativity.

💡 Takeaway: AI literacy is no longer optional—it’s essential. By integrating AI skills into teaching and learning, we empower students and staff to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital world.

This article was created with the assistance of ChatGPT, an AI language model developed by OpenAI, to enhance clarity, organization, and factual accuracy.