Achievement Gaps, AI and More: State Superintendent Hopefuls Detail Plans at Candidate Forums

Six candidates for California's superintendent of public instruction participated in two virtual forums. The candidates discussed achievement gaps, artificial intelligence concerns, and LGBTQ+ protections. The next superintendent will shape the future of nearly 6 million California students. The candidates included San Diego Unified School District Board Member Richard Barrera, former State Sen. Josh Newman, Chino Valley Unified Board President Sonja Shaw, State Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi, former Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon, and Nichelle Henderson, a trustee for the Los Angeles Community College District. The candidates proposed various solutions to address achievement gaps, including reforming curriculum, ensuring teachers are paid enough, and providing quality child care and preschool experiences. They also acknowledged the risks and challenges presented by artificial intelligence in the classroom.