Questions Parents Should Ask About AI in IEP Development

The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming the way Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) are developed and implemented. Parent advocates need to critically monitor your child’s educational program to ascertain whether or not the IEP is more tailored and responsive to your child’s needs. Here are questions that can help parents navigate these waters, ensuring that AI's integration aligns with their child's best interests.

How is AI used in the IEP process at your school?

This initial question sets the stage for understanding the extent and manner of AI utilization in IEP development. Some follow up topics include: Is AI used for data analysis? Pattern recognition to identify learning needs? Does it have a role in suggesting goals and accommodations?

What specific AI tools or programs are used, and what are their functions?

Asking for details about the tools themselves can provide insights into their reliability, the kind of data they analyze, and the outcomes they are designed to predict or improve. This question also opens up the conversation about the evidence base supporting the use of these tools.

How do you know that the AI system's recommendations are appropriate for my child?

This question addresses the issue of personalization. AI's suggestions must be considered within the context of the whole child, including their strengths, preferences, and interests, not just their areas of challenge. You should carefully analyze the IEP prior to an IEP meeting, looking for areas in which the IEP is not in alignment with your child’s strengths and needs.

Can you explain the data privacy measures in place for AI-driven assessments?

Given the sensitive nature of the data used to create individualized education plans, you need to  understand how the school protects this information. This question should be followed-up with questions covering consent procedures and the right to opt-out or limit data sharing.

How do teachers and specialists adjust AI recommendations to fit individual students?

AI's role should be supportive, not definitive. This inquiry delves into how educators use their professional judgment to modify or override AI suggestions, ensuring that the technology serves as an aid, not an authority. Remember: The IEP Team makes all decisions, and you are the center of that team. 

By asking these questions, parents can better navigate the role of AI in special education. Technology's integration into the IEP process should genuinely serve their child's needs. Collaboration between parents, educators, and technologists is essential to integrate AI's potential ethically and effectively, making education more inclusive and personalized for all learners.