Cyber school, state Education Department partner on AI curriculum for public schools

HUNTSVILLE — To help prepare students for an increasingly tech-oriented future, the Alabama School of Cyber Technology and Engineering has partnered with the State Department of Education to develop a first-of-its-kind artificial intelligence course curriculum.

The curriculum’s target is the 2026-27 school year and state public schools will be provided with AI-related resources, professional development, and an AI curriculum adhering to Alabama’s Information Technology Course of Study standards. 

“This is a significant milestone for public education in Alabama,” said Chase Golden, Chief Technology Officer of ASCTE. “As we face the next workforce revolution in the post-AI world, ASCTE is positioned to support ALSDE in preparing the state’s future workforce and leaders in technology.

“This partnership allows us to bring our expertise as the state’s magnet school for technology to communities  across Alabama, charting a path forward for how AI fundamentals will be taught at the secondary level.”

Subjects in the curriculum will include the history and evolution of AI, current applications, AI programming, data science, and ethics.

 Wright, also noted the major significance of an AI-related curriculum.

“As a lifelong educator and a champion for digital literacy and computer science resources in secondary education, I’m very excited about this partnership and the exposure it will provide teachers and students,” said ASCTE Cyber Instructor and Curriculum Developer MaryClaire Wright. “We are laser-focused on providing comprehensive lesson plans and immersive learning activities that spark interest and cultivate the future technology workforce.

“This curriculum aligns with the Alabama Course of Study standards for Artificial Intelligence for grades 10–12 and offers career discovery opportunities to inspire students to explore this emerging field.”

eachers will undergo specialized training next summer to prepare for implementing the  curriculum for the 2026-27 school year.