Massachusetts Takes a Lead in AI Integration for K-12 Schools

1. Developing resources to help schools build a shared understanding of how AI works
2. Training staff on AI integration and student data privacy
3. Creating AI usage guidelines and policies

The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) has announced the launch of the first phase of a multiyear plan to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into K-12 schools. The plan aims to support K-12 schools as they navigate the opportunities and challenges presented by AI, with a goal to equip students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in tomorrow’s economy.

“Massachusetts has long been a global leader in both technological innovation and education,” said Governor Maura Healey. “This strategy will help equip students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in tomorrow’s economy and to engage thoughtfully with these powerful tools.”

The first phase of the plan involves developing resources to help schools build a shared understanding of how AI works, train staff on AI integration and student data privacy, and create AI usage guidelines and policies. These resources are expected to be published this summer, according to the website of the DESE Office of Educational Technology (OET), which led an AI task force last year to produce recommendations for the department’s AI integration plan. The AI task force recommendations, which formed the basis of the state’s AI integration plan, outlined the need for clear guidance on what students need to know and be able to do at each grade level when it comes to AI literacy. “Without clear guidance on what students need to know and be able to do at each grade level, educators are left to their own perspective in determining how and when to integrate AI literacy,” the recommendations stated. This lack of clear guidance can result in students having drastically different experiences from classroom to classroom, highlighting the need for a centralized resource to help educators identify appropriate AI tools and support more equitable access to high-quality AI educational resources.

Richard Culatta, CEO of the nonprofit International Society for Technology in Education and the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ISTE+ASCD), praised Massachusetts for taking an “intentional and inclusive approach to addressing the complexity of AI in education.”

“Massachusetts is taking a proactive approach to ensuring that educators are equipped to use AI to provide transformational learning experiences while creating environments for safe, responsible, and ethical use,” Culatta said. The final phase of the plan, set for the 2026-27 school year, will see DESE working to “embed AI” across educator preparation programs and state curricula.

Embedding AI across educator preparation programs and state curricula

Reviewing curricular frameworks for opportunities to add explicit standards for AI literacy across grade levels and subject areas

ISTE+ASCD worked with DESE to convene its AI task force last year and to launch a cohort of local education agencies for the development of strategies for AI integration that can be shared across the state. Key Highlights of the Massachusetts AI Integration Plan

• Developing resources to help schools build a shared understanding of how AI works
• Training staff on AI integration and student data privacy
• Creating AI usage guidelines and policies
• Embedding AI across educator preparation programs and state curricula

The Massachusetts AI integration plan represents a significant step forward in the state’s commitment to using AI to support student learning and success. What Can We Learn from Massachusetts’ Approach to AI Integration?

1. Developing a centralized resource to help educators identify appropriate AI tools and support more equitable access to high-quality AI educational resources
2. Providing clear guidance on what students need to know and be able to do at each grade level when it comes to AI literacy
3. Embedding AI across educator preparation programs and state curricula to create a seamless and consistent learning experience for students

By taking a proactive and inclusive approach to addressing the complexity of AI in education, Massachusetts is setting a high standard for other states to follow and providing a model for how to integrate AI in a way that supports student learning and success.