Biotechnology researcher Alborz Bejnood is making a second run for School Committee, this time in the most crowded race Cambridge has seen in decades.
When Bejnood ran for committee in 2023, he was motivated by the phasing out of upper school Algebra offerings. Now that Algebra is back, he has his eyes on other advanced learning goals for the district.
Advanced learning – courses and offerings that provide students with more complex curricula – has been a focal point of this year’s committee election. Many of the 18 candidates agree that advanced learning offerings should be made a priority, but diverge on how to implement them equitably.
For Bejnood, artificial intelligence may be the answer. Bejnood said the technology can be harnessed to more effectively assess a student’s progress.
He proposes “giving a model to each kid that prompts them and gives them questions. If they understand something, then it moves on more quickly so kids don’t get bored, and if they’re having a challenge, it’s a quicker way to get feedback that this particular student is struggling with this particular topic.”
Bejnood said he sees artificial intelligence as a “teacher supplement,” just like “a PowerPoint, paper or pencils.” If this technology can do the tedious tasks, Bejnood said teachers would have more time and energy to teach, lecture and engage with students.
Conversations around artificial intelligence have been circulating around the district. The committee passed an Aug. 5 motion that the superintendent develop a districtwide policy on the technology’s use, one that would “promote thoughtful, age-appropriate engagement with AI tools.”
No policy has been introduced; Bejnood said his experience with artificial intelligence would more quickly promote a policy change.
“I actually use this technology. I know a little bit about how the back end works … my personal familiarity with this technology is something that is a huge value,” he said.
Bejnood also said the district can boost advanced learning opportunities by connecting students with courses and instructors at the local community college.
“Facilitating that connection is something we already have the infrastructure for,” he said.
Beyond advanced learning, Bejnood has ideas for teacher diversification. The district could improve base teacher pay, Bejnood said, by reallocating the extra compensation paid to teachers with master’s degrees, a factor that does not statistically improve student outcomes.
By prioritizing hiring teachers with master’s degrees, the district is “artificially limiting the kinds of people that [it] can look for, as far as increasing diverse representations,” he said. “The way that we recruit and retain educators is fundamentally flawed, and it’s something that we should take a serious study at.”
There are 18 candidates running for the Cambridge School Committee’s six seats, to be decided Tuesday. With one incumbent opting not to run, one new face is guaranteed when the committee sits in January.
A stronger
Please consider making a financial contribution to maintain, expand and improve Cambridge Day.
We are now a 501(c)3 nonprofit and all donations are tax deductible.
Please consider a recurring contribution.