By Dear Families,
Houston Independent School District (HISD) is working to ensure all students graduate prepared for the Year 2035 workplace and world. As such, we are excited to offer your student the opportunity to be among the first students in HISD to learn about one of the most cutting-edge technologies of our time: generative artificial intelligence. Beginning in the 2024-2025 school year, HISD will offer Foundations of Artificial Intelligence, a single-semester elective course for students in 11th and 12th grades. The District is one of the first large school systems in the country to teach generative AI in high school.
Generative AI is the ability of machines to create content, such as images, text, music, and more. This technology is shaping not only the tech field broadly, but our daily lives—and will continue to do so at a rapid pace in the years to come.
Your junior or senior student is invited to enroll in Foundations of Artificial Intelligence launching in HISD this fall. Your student could be among the first in the District to learn basic concepts and techniques for using generative AI. Students will build their AI knowledge and skills and explore how to engage with the technology in responsible ways that can accelerate their learning and productivity. This interactive class is open to all eligible juniors and seniors—regardless of whether they have a background in computer science—and is designed to inspire an ongoing interest in the STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) subjects.
At HISD, we want every graduate to leave us ready to thrive in life and compete for the high-paying jobs of the future. We are leading the way in giving young people the 21st-century learning opportunities they deserve, and Foundations of Artificial Intelligence is the latest example of that work. If your student would like to enroll in this trailblazing course for the coming school year—or if you have questions about the class—please reach out to the guidance counselor at your child’s campus by Wednesday, April 17th. We will follow up with the necessary consent forms to confirm your student’s course participation.
Sincerely,
Team HISD
