Measuring what matters: Understanding AI’s impact on teaching and learning through a research-practice-industry partnership

As generative AI tools such as Gemini for Education rapidly enter K-12 classrooms, educators need evidence that reflects the realities of teaching and learning across diverse school communities. This session highlights a partnership among the University of Florida, Miami-Dade County Public Schools and Google designed to study AI implementation in schools and generate evidence that is rigorous, relevant and useful for improving practice. Explore how the partnership was structured so that district priorities, educator perspectives and research goals inform study design, findings reflect diverse students and classrooms and evidence informs both product implementation and educational decision-making. Learn how data governance, FERPA, IRB and ethical review processes support responsible AI research that protects educators and students. Most importantly, you are invited to examine and question the partnership model itself through a transparent look at lessons learned, challenges and opportunities for collaboration. Walk away with a practical planning framework and reflective questions to guide your own AI evaluation and evidence-building efforts.