Indiana Early College Summit 2026

The Evolution of Writing Instruction with AI examines how artificial intelligence is transforming feedback, revision, and student autonomy in secondary English classrooms. Drawing on mixed-methods action research with six sections of 9th-grade English, this session demonstrates how tools like Khan Academy’s Khanmigo Writing Coach expand real-time feedback loops, strengthen higher-order thinking, and reduce teacher workload—all while keeping educators central to the writing process. Participants will explore shifts from traditional, teacher-directed instruction toward collaborative, AI-supported writing ecosystems aligned with TEAL frameworks and modern literacy expectations.

The session will highlight how these AI-driven approaches uniquely benefit Early College students, who must navigate accelerated coursework, college-level writing expectations, and increased independence. Attendees will examine strategies for using AI tools to scaffold advanced writing tasks, personalize feedback for diverse learners, and cultivate academic behaviors—such as revision stamina, metacognition, and self-regulated learning—that support Early College success. Examples will show how AI can help bridge gaps between secondary and postsecondary writing demands, giving students equitable access to the types of iterative feedback common in college environments.

The session further outlines emerging pathways for responsible AI integration, student digital citizenship, and scalable district implementation. Participants will leave with research-grounded insights and adaptable strategies designed to evolve alongside rapid advances in educational AI while supporting all learners, including those pursuing Early College opportunities.

AI use among students is widespread. Teachers and students have to navigate a computerized world that is always changing. Students frequently use AI in their learning, but not necessarily in the correct way. This session explores some district-approved AI platforms and policies alongside practical classroom strategies designed to promote ethical and effective AI use. Here is a link to my presentation

Dual credit teachers across various disciplines are increasingly focused on managing AI-driven academic dishonesty. While timed writing within locked Google Forms effectively mitigates cheating, these exercises also provide essential college preparation by training students to express themselves rapidly and articulately. In this session, learn to configure locked Google Forms, implement student preparation templates, and use a highlighting technique that simplifies grading while fostering student reflection. Explore a student-led progress tracker for "re-works," an iterative process that allows students to refine their original writing and improve their scores prior to final evaluation.

We’re still designing and assessing what students produce when we should be measuring how they think. AI has changed that.

As we enter 2026–27, AI is embedded in how students think, write, and complete work—while also making it easier than ever to shortcut the learning process. The question isn’t if students are using AI. Are we measuring the what … or the how?

Grounded in Think It • Show It • Own It, this session introduces a clear, actionable framework (AI Levels: No AI → Tutor → Coach → Thinking Partner) to define responsible AI use, protect student thinking, and bring consistency to how we design and assess learning in Early College classrooms. Participants will leave with practical tools, ready-to-implement systems, and an invitation to join an ongoing cadre of educators continuing this work together.

Because ignoring AI isn’t neutral—it’s a decision. And 2026–27 is the moment to define what counts.