Poster 9: Authentic Student Voice: Using AI to Empower PK-8 Learners through Needs Assessments

Capturing authentic student voice across a PK-8 school presents unique challenges—but also powerful opportunities. In this session, we will share how our team designed and implemented a schoolwide needs assessment that honored the developmental differences of students while leveraging the power of AI. Our goal was to hear directly from our learners about their interests, learning preferences, and challenges. We used AI to create three developmentally appropriate versions of each survey question, allowing us to reach all students with age-appropriate language and structure. Administered through Qualtrics, the survey process was supported by trained 5th and 6th grade student helpers who guided Kindergarten and 1st grade students without influencing their responses. Committee members served as proctors to ensure the integrity and consistency of the process. Using Magic School AI, we analyzed the data by grade bands (K–4 and 5–8), then synthesized common themes across the entire school. This session will explore the strategies we used to engage all learners, the role of AI in both survey development and data analysis, and how this protocol can be adapted by other educators to amplify student voice. Attendees will leave with actionable steps to implement similar practices in their own settings.