UF and SREB Create Groundbreaking AI Pathway for South Carolina Students

Nancy Ruzycki, Ph.D.
Nancy Ruzycki, Ph.D., Master Lecturer

December 5, 2024 in Artificial Intelligence, Engineering Education, Faculty, Featured, Machine Learning, News, Research

University of Florida Partners with Southern Regional Education Board to Develop High School Artificial Intelligence Pathway Curriculum in South Carolina 

The University of Florida (UF) is proud to announce its partnership with the Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) to develop a comprehensive four-course Artificial Intelligence (AI) curriculum for high school students in South Carolina. This innovative collaboration builds on UF’s leadership in K-12 AI education and SREB’s expertise in career pathways and curriculum development, ensuring students are prepared to excel in an AI-driven future. Through support from the South Carolina Department of Education, this project will accelerate the development of classroom resources to support the state’s first AI pathway and to develop the talent needed for the workforce of the future.  

Bringing UF’s Expertise to South Carolina 

The partnership will leverage UF’s groundbreaking work in designing AI curricula, which aligns with the National Science Foundation’s guidelines for AI education in elementary and secondary schools. Faculty from UF’s Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering and the College of Education will contribute their expertise to support the development of South Carolina’s AI pathway. 

As part of the project, UF will: 

  • Provide professional development and training to South Carolina’s AI Design Team, enhancing their AI knowledge and instructional skills. 
  • Co-facilitate curriculum development sessions with SREB to create standards-aligned, project-based units of study for each AI course. 
  • Assist with drafting, editing and refining the curriculum units to ensure quality and relevance. 
  • Support pilot sites by offering AI-focused coaching and virtual training. 
  • Co-lead a summer “boot camp” for educators implementing the new AI courses. 
Collaboration with South Carolina Educators and Leaders 

A huge part of the project is the active involvement of South Carolina instructional leaders, including high school and technology center teachers, postsecondary instructors and industry representatives. “As design team members, they bring diverse expertise to ensure the curriculum meets the needs of students, educators and industry partners,” said Nancy Ruzycki, Ph.D., Master Lecturer in the UF Department of Materials Science & Engineering. “They’ll also ‘Palmetto-ize’ the curriculum by highlighting South Carolina’s top industries and in-demand occupations, creating locally relevant connections for students.” 

In addition to playing a critical role in piloting and refining the curriculum to ensure it meets the state’s AI standards, the design team will also serve as trainers, helping other educators successfully implement the AI pathway. In addition, the team will integrate pathways to postsecondary education and workforce training programs, enabling students to continue their learning journey beyond high school. 

A Collaborative Vision for AI Education

The initiative will use a Project-Based Learning (PBL) Unit Design Process to develop rigorous and engaging units of study for AI courses. This process emphasizes real-world applications, ensuring students not only master AI standards but also develop high-demand skills, such as communication, collaboration and problem-solving. 

The curriculum design will include: 

  • Support for the first three courses in the AI pathway. 
  • Development of a fourth Capstone Course that integrates student learning with practical AI applications in real-world scenarios. 
  • Professional development and technical training for educators to ensure effective implementation of the curriculum. 

This collaborative effort ensures that the curriculum is both rigorous and relevant, equipping students with the skills and knowledge to thrive in South Carolina’s growing AI and technology sectors. 

The partnership between UF and the SREB marks a significant step forward in shaping the future of AI education in South Carolina. By developing a comprehensive AI curriculum for high school students, this initiative not only addresses the growing demand for skilled professionals in the AI and tech industries but also empowers educators with the tools and knowledge necessary to guide students on a path to success.