The SREB Commission on AI in Education convened on November 18-19, 2024, and the energy in the room was palpable. We met to refine our understanding of AI’s role in transforming education across the South. Since May, our subcommittees—Policy, K-12 Instruction, Postsecondary Instruction and Workforce and Skills Development—have been working tirelessly to shape meaningful and actionable guidance for states in our region.

This meeting showcased the outcomes of the work as all of the subcommittees joined together to present their work and get feedback from the whole group.

• The policy subcommittee presented six robust recommendations for states to consider, tailored to support AI’s ethical and effective integration in K-12 and postsecondary systems.
• The K-12 Instruction Subcommittee shared a visionary framework of four pillars that illustrate how AI can reshape the classroom experience.
• Postsecondary Instruction leaders presented their exploration of what accrediting organizations are doing in AI education, offering valuable insights to higher education institutions.
• Finally, the Workforce/Skills Subcommittee unveiled a comprehensive draft report identifying the core AI-related skills every profession will require, as well as those critical for navigating AI-driven industries.

Highlights of the Meeting

Policy Subcommittee: Six Key Recommendations

The Policy Subcommittee’s work centers on practical strategies that can guide our 16 member states in adopting AI in ways that are both impactful and equitable. These six recommendations address critical areas such as ethical considerations, data privacy and professional development for educators. By aligning with these recommendations, states can ensure AI integration benefits students and educators alike while safeguarding their rights.

K-12 Instruction Subcommittee: Four Pillars of AI in the Classroom

In the K-12 Instruction Subcommittee, the members have been working hard on creating guidance for the use of AI in the classroom. The work, which was created through a series of interviews with teachers around the country, focuses on four pillars of AI use in the classroom:

• Increasing cognitive demand
• Streamlining teacher work
• Supporting personalized learning
• Developing future AI users

Postsecondary Instruction Subcommittee: Accrediting Organizations and AI

Accreditation plays a pivotal role in setting standards for higher education, and the Postsecondary Instruction Subcommittee is investigating how accrediting organizations are adapting to the rise of AI. Their ongoing work includes identifying benchmarks and trends that will ensure postsecondary institutions are prepared to meet the demands of an AI-driven world. This effort is critical in helping colleges and universities align their curricula with evolving professional landscapes.

Workforce/Skills Subcommittee: A Comprehensive AI Skills Report

The Workforce/Skills Subcommittee showcased their draft report. By mapping the AI skills necessary for all professions and highlighting those uniquely required for AI-specific fields, this report offers a clear blueprint for preparing the workforce of the future. The report doesn’t stop there—it also emphasizes the skills needed to effectively leverage AI tools, ensuring workers can adapt and thrive as AI continues to shape industries.

The Work Ahead

The Commission’s work is far from finished. These early milestones demonstrate our commitment to driving innovation, fostering equity, and ensuring that educators, students and workers are prepared for a world increasingly influenced by AI.

In the months ahead, each subcommittee will refine its contributions into actionable resources. States across the South will soon have access to tailored recommendations, practical guidance and comprehensive tools to lead the way in AI education and workforce preparation.

A Collaborative Effort with Regional Impact

While these initiatives are still in development, the groundwork laid by our subcommittees is already setting the stage for meaningful change.

Our next steps include finalizing  and releasing these documents.  As we continue this journey, we are confident that the work of the SREB Commission on AI in Education will have a profound and lasting impact on the region’s education systems and workforce readiness.

Stay tuned—there’s much more to come.