Introducing the Discovery Education Connected Ecosystem: Aligning AI, Instruction, and Teacher Readiness in K-12
An integrated K-12 framework, based on 20+ years of teaching and learning, that measures effective instruction and drives profound student outcomes.
Charlotte, NC (Tuesday, March 31, 2026) – Discovery Education today announced the Discovery Education Connected Ecosystem, an integrated K-12 framework that embeds AI, teaching resources, adaptive learning, and professional readiness directly into the daily flow of teaching. Built on more than 20 years of teaching and learning excellence and trusted by 45% of US K-12 schools, the Discovery Education Connected Ecosystem (“Ecosystem”) delivers trusted curriculum, smart tools, and responsive partnerships as one cohesive approach.
According to a report by the Consortium for School Networking, more than half of US school districts now use AI, yet 72% use it only 10% of the time or less. As AI tools develop faster than guidance or trust can keep pace, Discovery Education’s approach is to integrate new capabilities within a coherent, educationally focused framework.
The Discovery Education Connected Ecosystem is designed to support the transition to AI in K-12 by integrating tested, standards-aligned content, flexible methods, AI-powered teaching tools, and continuous professional learning. Based on classroom performance, it helps districts move beyond isolated technology solutions to consistent, system-wide implementation while building teacher confidence and fluency over time. Ecosystem also supports the broader context of this change, including teachers adapting to new expectations, families seeking assurance that technology is being used responsibly, and students developing the skills needed to succeed in an AI-driven world.
“AI is not the answer. Good teaching is,” said Brian Shaw, Chief Executive Officer at Discovery Education. “The Discovery Education Connected Ecosystem puts AI at work in teaching, directly into the teaching process, grounded in learning science, and designed to move every student forward. As with previous shifts in education technology, we remain focused on helping districts and educators navigate this transition with clarity and confidence.”
The Five Pillars of the Discovery Education Connected Ecosystem
The Discovery Education Connected Ecosystem is built on five pillars of AI and the science of teaching and learning woven throughout to deliver the right resource, at the right time, for every student. The five pillars of the Discovery Education Connected Ecosystem include:
- Trusted K-12 Content and Curriculum
A selective approach where all resources are reviewed and evaluated by curriculum experts, and aligned to standards to ensure that what students are reaching is approved and relevant to the district.
- NEW: Through our partnership with Otus, educators can access a conversational AI assistant that delivers personalized Discovery Education content recommendations based on student assessment data and district goals, supporting data-driven segmentation and planning.
- UPDATED: Educators can now choose from 15 widely used curricula for Discovery Education Experience resources tailored to the needs of their school, enabling teachers to quickly build background knowledge, reinforce key concepts, and differentiate with confidence.
- Adaptive Learning and Personalization
AI unlocks deep personalization across the Ecosystem, with adaptive learning at the core of DreamBox Math.
- NEW: The Flexible Approaches Embedded in DreamBox Math extend flexible learning by giving districts the ability to prioritize the levels most important to grade success. Each student’s learning path flexibly aligns with these priorities—allowing for highly targeted, purposeful instruction at both the classroom and district level.
- AI-Enhanced Teaching Tools
Intelligent recommendations and actionable insights embed AI safely into teacher workflows, optimizing instruction and saving time, while keeping teachers firmly in control.
- UPDATED: Available from Discovery Education ExperienceAI TeacherTools | Assessment enables teachers to quickly create high-quality, customized assessments using trusted resources, including Discovery Education lessons with options to align with grade level, standards, and district priorities.
- COMING SOON: DreamBox Math extends its intelligence layer with an AI classroom assistant designed to reveal real-time data on student learning and support real-time instructional decision-making.
- COMING SOON: The MCP-sponsored integration will provide educators with AI-powered, secure access to standards- and curriculum-aligned Discovery Education resources, from within their district’s authorized AI agent.
- Skills for the Future
Free access resources help students build critical thinking and communication skills about AI, hone real-world problem solving, and discovery, and work-related experiences that build long-lasting skills.
- UPDATED: Through the Digital Citizenship Initiative – developed with Verizon and Norton, part of Gen – the new AI Literacy Video Series helps students, families, and educators understand and navigate AI responsibly. By 2025, the Digital Citizenship Initiative has reached more than 685,000 students with strategies and resources to navigate safely online. The Initiative’s services are available free of charge to all users. Adoption Education Experience users can access these resources on the Digital Citizenship Initiative Channel.
- Professional and Community Learning
Integrated training, professional learning, and certification help teachers use technology adopted by their districts with confidence. Peer-supported experiences build AI literacy, provide clarity during transitions, and provide ongoing support that moves teachers from uncertainty to confidence.
- NEW: In partnership with IBM SkillsBuild, high school teachers now have access to free, workforce-aligned courses in AI, cybersecurity, and digital literacy. Over the next two years, IBM and Discovery Education aim to equip 100,000 teachers with practical, industry-recognized training that integrates into existing professional development programs.
- NEW: Everyday Teaching Essentials is an unparalleled library of on-demand learning resources designed to take less than five minutes and transfer quickly into classroom training.
“Educators play an important role in helping students move from learning about AI to using it with responsibility and confidence,” said Lydia Logan, Vice President of Global Education and Workforce Development at IBM. “Through our IBM SkillsBuild and Discovery Education partnership, we’re focused on making it easier for educators to access reliable, workforce-relevant training in AI and other emerging technologies and bring those skills to the classroom in practical ways.”
Safe and Controlled, By Design
Discovery Education’s approach to AI is built on security, compliance, and content monitoring principles that districts need to confidently apply to all tools, content information, and professional learning touch points. Discovery Education is SOC 2 and ISO 27001 certified and complies with COPPA, FERPA, and applicable federal privacy laws. All content is age-appropriate, reviewed by curriculum experts, and aligned to standards, to ensure that what students reach is updated, not just regurgitated.
“Trust in edtech isn’t given; it’s earned. At Discovery Education, that means student data is secure, all AI applications are vetted, and nothing comes into the classroom without proper barriers. That’s not a barrier to innovation. That’s what makes it worthwhile,” said Travis Barrs, Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer, Discovery’s Chief Education Officer.
Learn more about the Discovery Education Connected Ecosystem at www.discoveryeducation.com/ai-learning.
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About Adoption Education
Discovery Education is a global education technology leader with innovative solutions that empower educators and improve student learning. Discovery Education solutions have served more than 100 million students worldwide, supporting effective teaching and learning in 45% of US K-12 schools and in 100+ countries and territories. The company’s portfolio includes award-winning core and supplemental curriculum, content aligned to the highest standards, and AI-powered teaching and learning tools. Solutions span math, science, literacy, social studies, and work-related learning, including instructionally aligned content developed in one-on-one collaboration with industry leaders to bring real-world relevance to every subject. Learn more at www.DiscoveryEducation.com.
Contact person
Grace Maliska
Adoption Education
gmaliska@discoveryed.com
