Sid Dobrin and Julia Raefelbert advocate for AI integration in K-12 education

The U.S. House Committee on Education and the Workforce convened on April 1, 2025, to discuss the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in K-12 education. The meeting featured testimonies from several experts who emphasized the transformative potential of AI in educational settings and the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to implement these technologies effectively.

Sid Dobrin, Chair of the Department of English at the University of Florida, opened the discussion by highlighting the significance of generative AI tools, such as ChatGPT, in reshaping educational practices. He noted that while awareness of these technologies surged in late 2022, foundational efforts for AI education began earlier. Dobrin advocated for embedding AI literacy across curricula to prepare students for a workforce increasingly reliant on AI, stressing that students must not only use these technologies but also understand their underlying mechanisms.

Following Dobrin, Dr. Julia Raefelbert, CEO of ILO Group, shared insights from her work with educational leaders nationwide. She reported that while 81% of educational leaders recognize AI's impact, fewer than 10% feel adequately equipped for its implementation. Raefelbert called for federal policies that support state and district autonomy in AI integration while ensuring cybersecurity and data privacy. She proposed a White House Summit on AI in Education to explore both opportunities and challenges associated with AI in schools.

Ms. Boat, a technologist and founder of a charter school, provided a perspective on the uneven adoption of AI in education. She noted that only about 25% of educators have utilized AI tools, highlighting disparities in access and resources. Boat emphasized the dual nature of AI as both a promising and potentially perilous technology, advocating for robust AI literacy and professional development for educators to ensure ethical use.

Throughout the meeting, witnesses underscored the necessity of a coordinated federal approach to AI in education, warning against fragmented state-level actions that could hinder progress. They called for a national framework to support the safe and effective deployment of AI technologies, ensuring that all students, regardless of their background, can benefit from personalized learning experiences.

In conclusion, the committee's discussions revealed a consensus on the critical role of AI in shaping the future of education. The testimonies highlighted the need for strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and federal support to harness AI's potential while addressing its risks. As the education sector stands at a pivotal moment, the integration of AI could redefine learning and teaching, preparing students for a rapidly evolving job market.