NASBE Analysis Outlines Five Questions for State Policymakers on AI in Education

Alexandria, VA—Generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) is reshaping education systems in unprecedent ways. According to a new NASBE analysis by Arizona State University’s Janice Mak and Oklahoma State University’s Carolina Torrejon Capurro, the technology is a double-edged sword, creating tremendous opportunities but also posing considerable risks and challenges for schools.

State leaders can help fill the current AI policy vacuum for educators, administrators, and students. Mak and Capurro outline five key questions for state policymakers to ask:

1. Why should our state adopt or review policies and frameworks to guide the use of AI in schools? State boards of education can establish clear parameters on AI use—both to maximize its benefits for teaching and learning and to mitigate risks like misuse and data bias.
2. How are leading states addressing AI in K-12? Thirty-two states have crafted AI-related frameworks for K-12 schools, but few have implemented official policies, according to a survey of NASBE members. Early adopters such as Illinois, Wisconsin, and Utah provide lessons for other states.
3. Are there guiding principles for AI frameworks in education? Strong frameworks are grounded in inclusive stakeholder engagement; student well-being; and ethical, responsible, transparent use of GenAI.
4. In a rapidly changing landscape, how can state AI guidance and policies remain relevant and useful? By partnering with higher education institutions, state boards can study AI’s impact on learning outcomes and generate insights that can help inform and refine local implementation.
5. What resources and professional development do our educators need to support their own AI literacy? Every educator needs foundational knowledge on how to apply AI tools in their work, and students must learn how AI is shaping the world around them. States can prioritize AI literacy for teachers and students to ensure both can evaluate AI thoughtfully.

“Perhaps most important, human values and agency should drive the application of GenAI—not the other way around,” Mak and Capurro write. “State boards should work to ensure that all stakeholders are collectively building the learning environments that students need to learn and thrive.”

Read Five Questions for State Boards to Ask about AI in Schools.

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