Fukuwari City launches AI training for school managers as study shows faculty‑led AI boosts MBA outcomes

The Fukuwari City Board of Education in Yamanashi Prefecture is introducing a dedicated generative‑AI training program for school administrators. Partnering with the tech firm Discoveries, the city is deploying Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat across its schools and has organized a management‑level AI workshop slated for June 2026, with preparatory work beginning in March. The initiative aims to address teachers’ concerns about security, accuracy and lack of clear guidelines by providing administrators with a clear organizational stance and practical skills for safe AI use.

Separately, research published in the International Journal of Management Education examined the integration of generative AI into an Executive MBA economics course. The study, involving eight cohorts, found that when AI tools were used under structured, faculty‑guided prompts, student performance improved by an average of 2.45 points, with the greatest gains among lower‑performing learners. The authors argue that the "human‑in‑the‑loop" model—where instructors design prompts, facilitate dialogue with AI, and oversee ethical use—is essential for effective learning.

Both pieces highlight a growing consensus that AI can enhance education when coupled with clear policies, leadership involvement, and active teacher or faculty participation.