We all know that the people closest to the problem are the closest to the solution. So as AI technology becomes a bigger part of our education systems, we saw an opportunity: what if parents weren’t just included in the conversation, but leading it?
Building an AI tool that works for families
Imagine you’re the parent of a child who needs an Individualized Education Plan (IEP). You’re handed a 50-page document packed with legal jargon and confusing educational language. You try to make sense of it, but the further you read, the more overwhelming it becomes. What does your child actually need? What are the school’s responsibilities? You’re left with far more questions than answers.
Now imagine English isn’t your first language. You ask for a translation, only to learn that certified translators are scarce. Months go by with no progress. Meanwhile, your child’s needs remain unmet, and you’re left stuck in confusion and limbo.
This isn’t a hypothetical situation for many of our families. It’s their reality.
Take Carmen Rodriguez, a San Francisco parent leader with Innovate. She has three children who are English learners – two of whom have IEPs.
We are changing this.
Today, we’re proud to share a powerful new project at the intersection of technology, equity, and community: AI for Individualized Educational Plans (AiEP).
In partnership with Northeastern University’s Burnes Center for Social Change AI for Impact program, Innovate co-designed a first-of-its-kind AI tool that will empower parents, caregivers, educators, and community leaders by:
- Translating IEPs into multiple languages
- Simplifying complex educational jargon
- Summarizing key information
- Enabling natural conversation with the document through text or voice
- Creating personalized recommendations and meeting checklists
Even better, we did this by collaborating with hundreds of parents in San Francisco (including Carmen) on the design.
Our goal? To leverage technology to make IEPs clear, actionable, and empowering, so all parents can walk into school meetings prepared, confident, and ready to advocate for their children’s educational needs.
AiEP is a first-of-its-kind AI tool that will empower parents, caregivers, educators, and community leaders.
Real parents. Real impact.
Last month, we shared the first version of the AiEP tool with parent focus groups and community navigators. The response was deeply moving. For many, it was the first time they could truly understand their child’s education plan – and more importantly, feel empowered to ask questions and demand clarity.
This is what equity looks like in action.
Based on the powerful feedback we received, our partners at Northeastern are updating the tool to reflect these parents’ insights. In the coming months, we’ll continue piloting the improved version with even more families throughout SFUSD, and refining it based on what they tell us they need most.
Long term: we want to put the tool in the hands of as many public school families as possible.
If you know of funders, educators, technologists, and families who are interested in helping us scale AiEP and make it accessible to more families with students with IEPs, please send me an email!
We will be piloting the latest version with more families throughout San Francisco Unified School District.
An update on our fight for literacy
Last month, I shared that Innovate parent leaders were heading to Sacramento to stand alongside coalition partners in strong support of a bill that reflected what both the science of reading research and our communities have long known: reading is foundational. That day at the Capitol was powerful – and effective.
Assembly Bill 1454 (formerly known as AB 1121) advanced unanimously through the Assembly Education Committee. I wrote more about what this win means to our families who have long been calling for this shift – and where we go next on LinkedIn.
Parent advocates at the Literacy is Life action last month, in support of AB 1454.
Your donation helps us train parents to become civic leaders
This Giving Month, we’re asking you to support the heart of our work: training and equipping parents to become powerful civic leaders.
From advocating for literacy justice to co-designing tech tools that dismantle barriers in education, our parent leaders are organizing for real, lasting change in their communities.
Every dollar you give funds the community organizing programs, leadership development, and hands-on training that empower parents to speak up and be heard.
We’re hopeful for what’s next – and grateful, as always, to have you in this work with us.
With appreciation,
Michelle
