Idaho
Local Schools Navigate Growing Use of AI as Policies Emerge
With many students and educators already using widely available artificial intelligence tools, state lawmakers and school districts are playing catch-up on AI policies. In Maryland, for example, AI usage policies for K-12 schools are “all over the map,” Democratic state…
Key points
- Local lawmakers are establishing guidelines for AI use in schools.
- Many educators feel unprepared to navigate AI technology without proper support.
- States are implementing varying policies to address AI’s impact on education.
NewsWK — As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes increasingly integrated into classrooms, local lawmakers and school districts are working to establish guidelines to manage its use. With many educators and students already utilizing AI tools, there is a pressing need for coherent policies.
In various states, including Maryland, the approach to AI in K-12 education is inconsistent. Maryland Democratic state Senator Katie Fry Hester remarked, “What we heard repeatedly is that the teachers were feeling like they had to navigate artificial intelligence entirely on their own.” To address this, Hester sponsored legislation mandating each school system to appoint an AI coordinator and implement AI literacy as part of career readiness and computer science standards.
Across the nation, lawmakers are filing numerous bills focused on AI in education, with over 134 bills introduced in 31 states this year. These bills emphasize data privacy, usage restrictions, and training for teachers and students. A recent survey indicated that 85% of teachers and 86% of students reported using AI, yet only half received training related to AI’s implications.
Some states are leading the way in AI policy. For instance, Ohio has set a deadline for school districts to adopt AI use policies, recommending that they cover various aspects such as ethical use and privacy. Similarly, new laws in Idaho and Oklahoma emphasize the importance of local policies and the need for teacher oversight of AI-generated content.
Despite the potential benefits of AI tools, there are growing concerns among educators. A significant portion of students reported feeling less connected to their teachers due to AI use, and many teachers worry that it hinders students’ acquisition of essential skills. Sue Thotz from Common Sense Media stressed the need for schools to balance the advantages of AI with its potential impact on student well-being.
As districts continue to grapple with the implications of AI in education, experts urge a cautious approach to regulation, recognizing that the landscape of AI is still evolving. In the words of Justin Reich, an associate professor at MIT, “writing a guide for AI in 2026 is like writing a guide for aviation in 1905.” This highlights the necessity for ongoing dialogue and policy adaptation as AI technology develops.
Based on reporting originally published by Stateline. Read the original story.
