THANK YOU for bringing attention to the AI-MCAS grading debacle. I'm surprised this hasn't gotten more attention in the MA edu convo. If you do get a response from DESE, I'd love to hear anything that you're able to share about what they say.
After reading about it here, I mentioned this incident to someone today, making sure to add that "the company, Cognia, who was paid $36 million for the MCAS contract," and they simply asked, "I wonder how much less it would cost to just pay actual people to do the grading?" And I thought, woah such a simple, but such a good question.
I think the general consensus in regards to widespread EdTech faux pas in general is to just brush under the rug all the security, child development, and achievement problems created by hastily purchased, unvetted AI/EdTech. Not enough people asking questions.
This includes even major data breeches like the Powerschool Breach last year that "leaked sensitive data of over 60 million students and 10 million teachers. The breach has resulted in over 100 districts suing PowerSchool and several districts being contacted with extortion threats. The court documents also suggest that PowerSchool didn’t know about the data breach for over 100 days until Lane extorted the company." (Source: https://www.k12dive.com/news/college-student-charged-in-connection-with-powerschool-data-breach/748747/).
Jeez I forgot all about the PowerSchool breach. Good call back. FYI that we're trying to organize against wild west AI expansion in Malden. If there is a way to link up with efforts in Worcester, feel free to reach out- ptpiazza@gmail.com.
Thanks! There is not yet an organized approach in Worcester that I know of.. maybe Aislinn would know? But I'd love to learn more about your efforts in Malden, I'll shoot you an email.
Also, rumor has it that many of those $7 million windows at East Middle don't functionally open...... I'm sure they'll fix it when they rebuild the school!
THANK YOU for bringing attention to the AI-MCAS grading debacle. I'm surprised this hasn't gotten more attention in the MA edu convo. If you do get a response from DESE, I'd love to hear anything that you're able to share about what they say.
Radio silence so far.
sounds about right
After reading about it here, I mentioned this incident to someone today, making sure to add that "the company, Cognia, who was paid $36 million for the MCAS contract," and they simply asked, "I wonder how much less it would cost to just pay actual people to do the grading?" And I thought, woah such a simple, but such a good question.
I think the general consensus in regards to widespread EdTech faux pas in general is to just brush under the rug all the security, child development, and achievement problems created by hastily purchased, unvetted AI/EdTech. Not enough people asking questions.
This includes even major data breeches like the Powerschool Breach last year that "leaked sensitive data of over 60 million students and 10 million teachers. The breach has resulted in over 100 districts suing PowerSchool and several districts being contacted with extortion threats. The court documents also suggest that PowerSchool didn’t know about the data breach for over 100 days until Lane extorted the company." (Source: https://www.k12dive.com/news/college-student-charged-in-connection-with-powerschool-data-breach/748747/).
Jeez I forgot all about the PowerSchool breach. Good call back. FYI that we're trying to organize against wild west AI expansion in Malden. If there is a way to link up with efforts in Worcester, feel free to reach out- ptpiazza@gmail.com.
Thanks! There is not yet an organized approach in Worcester that I know of.. maybe Aislinn would know? But I'd love to learn more about your efforts in Malden, I'll shoot you an email.
Considering that 96% of EdTech companies sell student data, I would assume this AI company is likely not part of the 4% not abusing access to our students work/personal information. (Source: https://www.the74million.org/article/startling-96-of-school-tech-exposes-student-data-research-finds/)
Also, rumor has it that many of those $7 million windows at East Middle don't functionally open...... I'm sure they'll fix it when they rebuild the school!