The Southern Regional Education Board’s Commission on AI in Education has released its first six recommendations, designed to help states move forward with efforts to adopt artificial intelligence in assisting schools and postsecondary institutions.

The 60-plus member commission, which most recently met last Thursday and Friday in Atlanta, was established last February. Members include policymakers and education and business leaders throughout the 16-state SREB region.

Because of its broad membership, regional breadth, early creation and size, SREB President Stephen L. Pruitt said the commission is poised to produce critical recommendations that will inform not only Southern education decision makers but those throughout the nation.

“AI is fundamentally changing the classroom and workplace,” Pruitt said. “With that in mind, this commission is working to ensure they make recommendations that are strategic, practical and thoughtful.”

The commission is set to meet for another year and plans to release a second set of recommendations soon. Here are the first six:

Policy Recommendation #1: Establish State AI Networks

States should establish statewide artificial intelligence networks so people, groups and agencies can connect, communicate, collaborate and coordinate AI efforts across each state.

These statewide networks could eventually form a regional group of statewide AI network representatives who could gather regularly to share challenges and successes.

See full recommendation and more >

Policy Recommendation #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.

See full recommendation and more >       

Policy Recommendation #3: Provide High-Quality Professional Development

State K-12 and postsecondary agencies should provide leadership by working with local districts and institutions to develop plans to provide and incentivize high-quality professional development for AI. 

The plans should aim to enhance student learning.

See full recommendation and more >

Policy Recommendation #4: Integrate Into Standards & Curricula

States should integrate into statewide K-12 standards and curricula the AI knowledge and skills students need to prepare them for success in the workforce.

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Policy Recommendation #5: Assess Local Capacity and Needs

States should develop and conduct AI needs assessments across their states to determine the capacity of local districts, schools and postsecondary institutions to integrate AI successfully.

These should be designed to help states determine which institution, district or school needs state support, what type of support and at what level. 

See full recommendation and more >

Policy Recommendation #6: Develop Resource Allocation Plans

States should develop detailed resource allocation plans for AI implementation in schools, school districts and institutions of postsecondary education to ensure that the implementation of AI is successful and sustainable.

These plans should inform state fiscal notes related to education and AI.

See full recommendation and more >

For more information about the commission please see the following links:

Overview of the SREB Commission on AI in Education

Interactive AI in Education Guidance, Standards and Research for the 16 SREB States

Preview of “Skills for an AI-Ready Workforce”

SREB’s “AI in Education Insights” newsletter

AI in Education Blog Posts from SREB Staff and Members of the SREB Commission on AI

Media are invited to contact SREB to arrange interviews with Pruitt about the Commission on AI in Education and their first six recommendations.

Contact: Janita Poe, SREB News Manager, at Janita.Poe@sreb.org or 404-879-5516, ext. 216

The Southern Regional Education Board works with states, districts and schools to improve education at every level, from early childhood through doctoral education and the workforce. An interstate compact and a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization based in Atlanta, SREB was created in 1948 by Southern governors and legislatures to advance education and improve the social and economic life of the region.