The U.S. Department of Education is encouraging schools across the country to take advantage of federal funding to expand their use of artificial intelligence.
Education Secretary Linda McMahon said in a statement Tuesday that AI “drives personalized learning, sharpens critical thinking and prepares students with problem-solving skills that are vital for tomorrow’s challenges.”
“Artificial intelligence has the potential to revolutionize education and support improved outcomes for learners,” McMahon said. “Today’s guidance also emphasizes the importance of parent and teacher engagement in guiding the ethical use of AI and using it as a tool to support individualized learning and advancement. By teaching about AI and foundational computer science while integrating AI technology responsibly, we can strengthen our schools and lay the foundation for a stronger, more competitive economy.”
The move comes as some experts have expressed concern the technology could exacerbate inequality and deepen the digital divide, and educators across the country have said using AI in K-12 education “does more harm than good,” according to a 2023 Pew Research Center survey.
David Goldberg, president of the California Teachers Association, slammed the Trump administration for focusing on artificial intelligence while slashing school funding and student resources.
“Instead, they are using their power to slash meals and services for kids while ‘encouraging’ the use of artificial intelligence in public education,” Goldberg said in a statement Wednesday. “Innovation should benefit us all, not a select wealthy few and we have zero faith in the Trump administration to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our students and communities.”
Goldberg said the association will continue to demand that teachers, parents and students are part of the decision-making process regarding the use of artificial intelligence in California schools.
The guidance — distributed in a letter sent to schools and educational agencies Tuesday — follows President Donald Trump’s April 23 executive order promoting AI literacy and proficiency among students and comes as the Trump administration unveiled a sweeping artificial intelligence action plan Wednesday aimed at ensuring the United States wins the the global “AI race.” The package includes several policies and initiatives aimed at boosting artificial intelligence innovation and rolling back regulations the White House said were smothering development. The plan also includes proposed policies that would eliminate AI system references to misinformation, diversity, equity and inclusion and climate change — topics the White House called “social engineering agendas.”
The “Dear Colleague” letter to educational agencies also advised that schools’ use of artificial intelligence should align with state and regulatory requirements.
The letter said schools can utilize unspecified federal education funds to use artificial intelligence to create instructional materials and tutor students, help students identify career interests and advise students with course planning and transitioning to higher education or career pathways. The letter also said schools can use funds to train educators and families to use AI tools effectively and responsibly.
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The California Department of Education said Wednesday only that it had seen the letter.
The state education department’s guidance on artificial intelligence in California K-12 education emphasizes the importance of AI technology supporting educators rather than replacing them. The guidance also encourages educators to review AI data collection and user privacy and teach students about AI inaccuracies and bias and reframe artificial intelligence in “terms of math, rather than magic.”
Gov. Gavin Newsom also signed Senate Bill 1288 last year, sponsored by State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond, which created a collaborative AI workgroup of educators, industry experts and students to develop guidance on AI use in public schools.
