The AI Balancing Act: Policies, Practices, and Purpose for Schools (Implement AI in schools with policies, purpose, and practical guidance.) - Softcover

Samantha K. Dykes; Rachel E. Morris

Softcover

ISBN 13: 9798893741254

Publisher: Solution Tree Press, 2026

Synopsis

AI is transforming classrooms—but many schools struggle to implement it effectively. The AI Balancing Act goes beyond theory and tools, offering a complete, district-level road map for AI implementation from start to finish. This guide equips district leaders and administrators to create policies, build AI Impact Teams, and implement AI safely, ethically, and strategically across their schools.

Readers will:

• Embrace and navigate AI implementation and build awareness of its risks and benefits
• Develop policies and systems to ensure individuals use AI ethically
• Implement ongoing training for educators to keep current with emergent AI trends
• Promote greater AI literacy among educators, administrators, students, and families
• Enhance students’ educational experience through a learning progression that balances new technology with time-tested, essential college- and career-ready skills

Contents:
Introduction
Chapter 1: The Promise and Perils of AI in Education
Chapter 2: AI Policy Creation
Chapter 3: Professional Development and Training for Educators
Chapter 4: Education for Students and Families
Epilogue
Appendix: Resources for AI Implementation
References
Index

About this title

About the Author

Samantha K. Dykes, an instructional coach in the Linn-Mar Community School District in Marion, Iowa, has been a driving force in inspiring innovation through professional development. Her educational journey began in 2011, and she has since taught grades K–5 English learners, grades 6–9 English learners, and grades 3–4 general education. She served as an online learning coach during the 2020–2021 school year.
Samantha’s passion for education extends to higher learning institutions. She has taught both undergraduate and graduate courses on literacy and English learning at Coe College and the University of Dubuque in Iowa. Her expertise has also been shared at local and national conferences, where she presents innovative strategies for effective classroom practices. Her educational philosophy aligns with the axiom that the whole purpose of school is not to be good at school but to be good at life. This drives her commitment to engage students and equip them with essential skills for beyond the classroom. The student-engaged classroom model that she champions serves as the foundation for her teaching beliefs.
Samantha is not only an educator but also an active community member supporting youth initiatives in Linn County, Iowa. Additionally, she contributed to Connections, an online resource for English learners by Perfection Learning.
Samantha’s educational path began at Iowa State University, where she majored in elementary education and received her K–12 English as a second language endorsement. She has also earned master’s degrees in English learners and learning and technology from Western Governors University and a master’s degree in administration with a principal endorsement from Northwestern College in Orange City, Iowa.

Rachel E. Morris is an instructional coach in the Linn-Mar Community School District in Marion, Iowa. Throughout her years in education, beginning in 2006, Rachel has continually demonstrated her unwavering commitment to student success and staff growth. Starting as a grades 4–5 classroom teacher, she honed her skills in curriculum design, classroom management, and student engagement, serving on numerous curriculum and leadership committees throughout her district. Driven by her passion for helping others thrive, Rachel transitioned to the role of an instructional coach, supporting teachers and providing them with the tools, resources, and guidance they need to excel in their practice. Her expertise in instructional strategies, data analysis, and collaborative problem solving has empowered educators to enhance their teaching practices and improve student outcomes.
Rachel is an avid advocate for lifelong learning and community engagement. She actively participates in professional development workshops, has presented at state and national conferences, and partners with Marion Cares, a local nonprofit organization in Marion, Iowa, to serve youth and families in the area who are underprivileged.
Rachel received a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa, and both a master’s degree in elementary reading and mathematics from Walden University in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from Western Governors University. She is currently working toward a master’s degree in administration and a principal endorsement from Northwestern College in Orange City, Iowa.

Edition details

• Publisher: Solution Tree Press
• Publication date: 2026
• Language: English
• ISBN 13: 9798893741254
• Binding: Perfect Paperback
• Number of pages: 168