The use of AI in schools has grown sharply over the past two years, with more than 15 percentage points increase in AI use among both students and educators, according to a new national survey data from RAND.
By 2025, more than half of students and core subject teachers were using AI for schoolwork or instruction.
AI Use in Schools
High school students were the most frequent users, and AI adoption among teachers climbed steadily from elementary to high school.
The rapid growth of generative AI has turned classrooms into a real-time experiment in technology use.
Students are using AI to complete assignments, while teachers are leveraging it to design lessons, streamline grading, and manage administrative tasks.
Concerns and Guidance
However, training and policy have not kept pace with the growth of AI use in schools.
Related: Schools Rethink Approach to Absenteeism
Schools and districts are still developing professional development, student guidance, and clear usage policies to manage this shift.
As a result, educators, students, and parents are addressing both opportunities and concerns.
Students worry about being falsely accused of cheating, and many families fear that increased reliance on AI could undermine students’ critical thinking skills.
According to the report, 61 percent of parents, 48 percent of middle school students, and 55 percent of high school students believe that increased use of AI could harm students’ critical-thinking skills.
Need for Guidance
Meanwhile, only 35 percent of district leaders said their schools provide students with training on how to use AI.
More than 80 percent of students reported that their teachers had not explicitly taught them how to use AI for schoolwork.
Related: STEM training expands to seven school districts
Policy guidance also remains limited, with just 45 percent of principals saying their schools or districts have policies on AI use.
The report offers recommendations around AI use and guidance, including the need for trusted sources to provide consistent, regularly updated guidance on effective AI policies and training.
District and school leaders should clearly define what constitutes responsible AI use versus academic dishonesty and communicate these expectations to both teachers and students.
Ultimately, district leaders should develop AI policies and training programs that equip teachers and students to use AI productively and ethically across grade levels.
In the near term, educators and students urgently need clarity on what qualifies as cheating with AI.
Elementary schools should also be included in this effort, as nearly half of elementary teachers are already experimenting with AI, and these early years are when students build foundational skills and habits.
Leave a Reply