AI in Schools Is Surging, but Guidance Lags Behind

AI use by America's students and teachers has increased dramatically, jumping by 15 percentage points or more in the past one to two years. That's according to a new RAND report.

But despite this rapid adoption, guidance about using AI in the classroom is scarce. Only 35 percent of school district leaders reported training students on AI, and only 19 percent of students said they received guidance from their teachers.

The lack of instruction on using AI may be contributing to concern and anxiety among students and parents. Half of students said they are worried about being falsely accused of using AI to cheat.

Further, 55 percent of high schoolers, 48 percent of middle schoolers, and 61 percent of parents agreed that greater use of AI may harm students' critical-thinking skills. By contrast, only 22 percent of district leaders agreed.

The takeaway? While the lack of robust training, guidance, and policies is understandable, given how quickly AI has burst onto the scene, it’s time to fill these gaps at the state, district, and school levels.