Who Gets to Build AI Infrastructure for Schools?

AI tools can generate a lesson in seconds, but educators still lack a shared way to check whether that lesson is evidence-based and aligned to state standards. Learning Commons, a nonprofit backed by the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, launched an open platform to address this gap. Ira Apfel sits down with Learning Commons President Sandra Liu Huang about how the platform works and who gets to build the underlying AI infrastructure in K-12 schools.

Disclosure: Learning Commons is a financial supporter of EdSurge. This episode was produced independently by EdSurge and Learning Commons had no editorial role or influence over its recording, production or editing.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN

How Learning Commons uses a knowledge graph to map state standards and learning progressions – showing how early concepts (like fractions) connect to advanced subjects (like Algebra) years later.Why AI outputs need custom evaluators to score pedagogical quality and standards alignment, replacing static testing with real-time quality control.How an Illinois district used the platform to build its own math assessment tool – and what it took to tackle privacy and scaling challenges.Critical questions district leaders should ask AI vendors, including where standards data originates, how it stays current and whether the model treats standards as a source of truth.

STORIES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

Learning Commons Launches Open Platform for K-12 Edtech by Ira Apfel

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HOST AND CONTRIBUTORS

Host: Ira Apfel, Editorial Director, EdSurge

Featuring:

Sandra Liu Huang, President, Learning Commons