(ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.) — Some Parents aren’t fond of Amira artificial intelligence being used in Albuquerque Public Schools(APS).
Amira Assessments uses artificial intelligence to listen to students read aloud and delivers reading insights in 20 minutes. The program also evaluates reading fluency, tracks literacy development, and screens for dyslexia.
Photo credit: Amira Learning website
Parents have shown their discontent with the program on Facebook. OpGov.News found a chain where over 140 parents commented on the notice that Amira is going to be used in public schools.
Stephanie Donovan said the program doesn’t work and is a waste of time.
“The kids and teachers both struggle with it and are beyond frustrated with it. It doesn’t hear them correctly; it doesn’t progress the way it’s supposed to,” Donovan said.
“Multiple times my 1st grader had crying meltdowns over it. “Amira” had her wanting to not go to school.”
Marylou Toledo isn’t a fan of artificial intelligence and technology.
“We don't want our kids taught by a computer, but let's get back to teachers being the main educator,” Toledo said.
Dana Morgan is concerned about artificial intelligence capturing children’s voices.
“It’s the voice recognition for me and the fact that AI now will have my child's voice stored in their system to identify,” Morgan said.
APS Communications Officer Martin Salazar explained why artificial intelligence is used in schools.
Photo credit: Amira Learning website
“The New Mexico Public Education Department requires us to use the Amira assessment, although they recently announced that we could use alternative assessments for students whose families object to Amira,” Salazar said.
Salazar said elementary school students are still learning in traditional ways.
“We emphasize layer 1 instruction in whole-group and small-group settings between the teacher and our students in our instructional core, “ Salazar said.
Salazar said the program has been successful.
“Schools that have used the program faithfully have seen good results,” Salazar said. “Our students spend about 30 minutes a week reading to the Amira tour and receive real-time feedback.”
Salazar and the New Mexico Public Education Department realize the concerns and skepticism parents have about Amira’s artificial intelligence.
“We take these concerns seriously,” Salazar said. “PED has assured us that voice recordings will be deleted every 30 days, and families concerned can find additional information about privacy and data security on a new website launched by Amira, the Amira Trust Center. We remain committed to ensuring our educators and families receive clear, accurate, and transparent information throughout this process.”
If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please contact jorden.h@lead4earth.org.
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