Florida Virtual School is pioneering AI education for middle and high school students through a new certification program launching next month. This collaboration with the University of Florida and the Concord Consortium marks a significant step in integrating artificial intelligence education into core mathematics curriculum, preparing students for an increasingly AI-driven job market while simultaneously enhancing their mathematical understanding.
The big picture: Florida Virtual School students taking Algebra 1 online will soon have the opportunity to earn a free AI in Math certification through a yearlong program developed in partnership with academic institutions.
- The certification program will integrate foundational AI principles with key mathematical concepts, offering students both core academic knowledge and valuable workforce skills.
- This initiative aims to make advanced AI education accessible to online students who might otherwise have limited access to such specialized technical training.
Key details: The program will be integrated directly into Algebra 1 coursework rather than existing as a standalone course.
- Algebra 1 instructors will teach AI concepts alongside regular mathematics curriculum and offer supplemental activities focused on real-world applications, ethics, and career opportunities.
- UF and Concord Consortium researchers will work with teachers to continuously refine the courses based on student outcomes and performance.
Educational context: This AI certification expands FLVS’s existing career and technical education offerings, which already include several AI-related courses.
- The school currently offers four AI-related CTE courses that prepare students for industry certifications like Microsoft’s 365 Fundamentals exam and the Python Institute’s Certified Associate Python Programmer exam.
- Unlike other certifications that require external exams and potentially additional costs, the new AI in Math certification will be free and integrated directly into required coursework.
Teacher development: The program includes comprehensive professional development for educators to ensure effective AI instruction.
- FLVS teachers will complete 40 hours of specialized training on creating interactive AI models and visualizing abstract mathematical concepts.
- This professional development component aims to enhance math education broadly by giving teachers new technological tools for explaining complex concepts.
What they’re saying: Leaders from the participating organizations emphasize the program’s role in preparing students for future technological demands.
- “AI is revolutionizing industries worldwide, creating new opportunities,” said Jie Chao, project director at the Concord Consortium, highlighting the program’s potential to bridge educational gaps.
- Louis Algaze, president and CEO of Florida Virtual School, noted the organization’s commitment to “equipping our students with essential math skills and the knowledge to navigate and succeed in an AI-enhanced world.”
Why this matters: The initiative represents an emerging trend of integrating advanced technology education into core K-12 curriculum rather than treating it as an elective or extracurricular subject.
- By embedding AI education within required mathematics courses, the program ensures all students gain exposure to concepts that will increasingly shape their future careers and daily lives.
- The certification provides tangible credentials for students entering a competitive job market where AI literacy is becoming a valuable differentiator.
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