Why we're saying "No" to APS' Amira Parental Refusal Form
The “The 26-27 Amira Parental Refusal Form” provided by the APS administration is a clear demonstration of the district’s cultural and institutional attitude towards parents and communities that bring forward their concerns about district decisions. It’s less a form and more a tactic to shut parents down and intimidate them, a familiar experience to hundreds of families who send their children to APS.
Rather than taking an opportunity to turn over a new leaf by practicing collegial and collaborative consideration, what comes through is condescension and a demonstration of what APS apparently values most, and that is the implementation of its agenda through threats, intimidation and lack of transparency.
This document:
Insists that the district must use Amira as mandated by PED, when APS has been given guidance and the option to choose an alternate testing model by PED should it choose to do so.
Uses punitive language to make vague threats against school communities where parents sign it. This includes threatening parents that their children will not undergo dyslexia screening in 1st grade if they opt out, despite the dyslexia screening being required by New Mexico law.
Fails to fully inform, in good faith, all parents equitably. Only parents who do their own research would know that AMIRA is an AI-powered platform - nowhere on this form is this explicitly stated.
Explains Amira AI in a disarming, humanizing way, without calling it what it is: an algorithm. It is referred to as a “listening helper,” a “digital reading buddy” and “an animated avatar.” This is patently manipulative and a demonstration that our youngest children are at risk of interacting with an AI bot without fully understanding what it is, given how it is being described to their parents.
Misleadingly refers to this program as merely “voice recognition,” where in reality, students interacting with this software are training the AI through their use. This is how AI works. Teachers correcting the software’s mistakes are also training the AI. This is an independent issue regardless of what actually happens to the data in the end.
Refers parents, in the same form, to visit the amira.learning.com/amira-trust-center and amira.com for more information or concerns, which is effectively like telling parents to watch a commercial by the company in order to make an informed decision. In fact, the entire form is, in essence, a commercial for Amira, paid for with our public money.
And ends with: “By signing below, you are confirming you have discussed with an administrator at your child’s school the consequences that refusing student participation may have for your student, your student’s teacher and your student’s school.” This statement is a perfect demonstration of the regard that APS Administration has for its families, students and educators.