AI Rec 2 Develop Targeted AI Guidance

States should develop and maintain targeted guidance for distinct groups using, integrating or supporting the use of AI in education.

States should include, for example, elementary students, middle school students, high school students, postsecondary students, teachers, administrators, postsecondary faculty and administrators and parents.

As of early January 2025, 33 states have either published state-level guidance or have state-level groups working on writing state guidance related to AI in K-12 education.

Each state guidance document reflects varying state priorities at the time of publication. Some are clearly written for state agencies and state leaders, while others are written for education leaders or teachers. 

State efforts to date are off to a strong start. Even so, no state has yet published comprehensive guidance designed to assist all groups across the education continuum. 

AI guidance should be drafted, vetted and published as soon as possible. People need clear direction now. 

The SREB Commission on AI in Education recommends that states move quickly, using the full array of policy levers to require those in leadership roles across education to develop and publish customized guidance for targeted for specific groups in education. 

The Commission advises that people from each group be invited to help formulate the guidance. For example, students in K-12 should be involved in crafting the guidance for students. The same goes for the creation of acceptable use policies. Engage those who are or will be using AI.

AI guidance should be drafted, vetted and published as soon as possible. People need clear direction now. 

State agencies, K-12 districts and postsecondary institutions will need to clearly and consistently communicate the guidance and acceptable use policies to students, parents and all of those who work in education.

States should act now knowing that guidance will need to be reviewed and updated over time. The Commission suggests that states build feedback loops to gather input on their guidance to continually improve guidance and acceptable use policies.

References

Southern Regional Education Board. (2024). State guidance on AI. Southern Regional Education Board. https://www.sreb.org

Inside Higher Ed. (2024, September 16). Survey: When should college students use AI? They’re not sure. Inside Higher Ed. https://www.insidehighered.com