Melissa Aviles-Ramos set to present at our website's educational conference in New York City
Melissa Aviles-Ramos, the Chancellor of New York City Public Schools, is set to deliver a keynote speech at the "Education in New York: Shaping Tomorrow's Schools Through Innovation" summit next Thursday.
In her speech, Aviles-Ramos will focus on a holistic approach to education, encompassing literacy, social-emotional support, and the careful integration of technology.
The Chancellor will highlight the ongoing work of New York City Reads and New York City Solves, literacy and problem-solving initiatives launched previously and prioritized by Mayor Adams and former Chancellor David Banks. Recent screener data indicates that these initiatives are moving in the right direction, showing progress towards improving student outcomes.
Aviles-Ramos will also present her recently launched NYCPS Cares initiative, which aims to support students beyond academics by addressing social-emotional needs. This includes tackling bullying, ensuring students feel safe at school and home, and supporting families with basic needs, recognizing that these factors are crucial for academic success.
Regarding technology and innovation in education, Aviles-Ramos is expected to discuss the increasing role of tech in classrooms and the importance of balancing innovation with concerns about its impact. Specifically, she will address the use of artificial intelligence, though specific details on AI concerns were not elaborated in the available preview.
The Chancellor has also committed to moving this work forward since becoming chancellor, with a focus on ensuring that students are not just consumers of technology, but also producers. This approach aims to enhance their innovation and creativity while preparing them for future tech careers.
The summit will also feature a panel discussion on tech in education, where the AI Advisory Council will be reconvened to discuss the use of AI and other technologies in education. The discussion will centre around the four-part framework for considering tech in education: responsiveness, responsible use, preparing students for tech careers, and increasing productivity for teachers.
The broader push under Aviles-Ramos' leadership to strengthen community involvement is also evident. This is shown by increased participation in school elections and various pilot programs that enhance student safety and inclusivity.
In summary, Aviles-Ramos is emphasizing a holistic approach to education at the summit: continuing literacy and problem-solving programs, advancing social-emotional support with NYCPS Cares, and navigating the complexities of technology—including AI—in schools. The goal is to equip students with the skills they need to thrive in the 21st century while ensuring a safe and supportive learning environment.
[1] Source: New York City Department of Education press release [2] Source: New York City Public Schools official website
Technology plays a significant role in Aviles-Ramos' vision for education, as she aims to prepare students not only as consumers but also as producers. This approach is expected to foster innovation and creativity, essential skills for future tech careers.
Apart from academic success, Aviles-Ramos' NYCPS Cares initiative emphasizes the importance of addressing social-emotional needs, which include tackling bullying, ensuring student safety, and supporting families with basic needs. This holistic approach to education combines technology education with social-emotional support, aiming to create a thriving learning environment for the 21st century.
