Dr. Sabba Quidwai SPARKs Authentic Learning and Student Agency through AI

Barrington 220 was honored to welcome Dr. Sabba Quidwai, an educator and the current CEO of Designing Schools, as a part of our February 13 2026, Institute Day. Dr. Quidwai works with school districts, universities, and organizations to design human-centered, future-ready learning environments. During her presentations in our district, she challenged us to think differently about Artificial Intelligence (AI) to view it not as a threat, but as a catalyst. Her message centered on two of Barrington 220’s Framework 220 themes—Authentic Learning and Student Agency. The future, she reminded us, will belong to those who can build, adapt, and think independently.

Dr. Quidwai emphasized that AI is evolving at a pace unlike anything we have seen before. In just a few years, AI has progressed from delivering basic errors in writing and math problems to writing software, analyzing complex information, and supporting professional workflows. She described a widening divide between those deeply immersed in AI development and those who are not yet aware of how quickly AI is advancing. Rather than reacting with fear, she urged educators to focus on what we can control. That begins with strengthening meaningful learning experiences for students.

She cautioned that the traditional “playbook” of school—get good grades, attend a good college, find a stable job—may point students toward roles that are most exposed to areas where AI might have the greatest impact. She reminded us that while education still matters deeply, some the skills we have taught historically are shifting. Curiosity, adaptability, collaboration, and initiative have become more valuable than routine task completion.

According to Dr. Quidwai, AI raises the importance of Authentic Learning rather than diminishing it. When information is abundant and instantly generated, value shifts from finding answers to applying ideas. Students must engage in real-world problem solving, meaningful creation, and purposeful collaboration. AI can accelerate parts of the process, but it cannot replace relevance or purpose. She encouraged us to view AI as a teammate within authentic tasks. When students design solutions, create for real audiences, and reflect on impact, AI becomes a support tool rather than a shortcut. Without authenticity, AI simply speeds up surface-level work; with authenticity, AI deepens exploration and supports iteration.

Another central theme of Dr. Quidwai’s presentations was Student Agency. She shared research suggesting that only a small percentage of students graduate as “high-agency” learners, while the majority become “compliant achievers” or “quiet passengers.” In an AI-driven world, compliance is not enough. She reframed a common concern: the issue is not that students “aren’t thinking,” but that many have not been taught to exercise their own agency. If students use AI to replace their thinking, growth declines. If they use AI to debate ideas, refine drafts, and test solutions, agency increases.

To model intentional use, Dr. Quidwai introduced the SPARK framework. Rather than treating AI like a search engine, she encourages users to frame their requests clearly: 

• SITUATION—Describe the current state or context in which you’re operating.
• PROBLEM—Identify the specific problem or challenge you’re facing.
• ASPIRATION—Articulate your desired outcome or vision for success.
• RESULTS—Define the specific, measurable results you hope to achieve.
• KISMET—Share 3–4 ideas that I can use to get kickstarted.

This structured approach transforms AI from a shortcut tool into a collaborative design partner.

Dr. Quidwai presented an excellent example of how poorly framed prompts often lead to disappointing outcomes, which then reinforce negative narratives about AI. When educators and students provide detailed context and desired outcomes, AI tools can generate far better guidance. Teaching students how to use SPARK equips them with a decision-making framework.

Finally, Dr. Quidwai reminded us that AI is not just another classroom tool, it represents a shift in how work is done across industries without the need to abandon rigor. She called on educators to strengthen agency, clarify outcomes, and design learning experiences that require thinking, creating, and collaborating. AI should be integrated thoughtfully, aligned to mission and purpose.

As Barrington 220 continues our work in Authentic Learning and Student Agency, Dr. Quidwai’s message offers clarity. Our responsibility is not to predict every future job, but to cultivate adaptable, reflective learners. When students understand how to work with AI intentionally, technology becomes an amplifier of human potential.

The following sketchnote captures many of the themes I found important and/or interesting in Dr. Quidwai’s presentations. This link includes a video of the sketchnote being created.