As society grapples with the existential and ethical ramifications of artificial intelligence, educators in the U.S. remain split over its role in educational settings.
Should educators promote the use of AI language models? While some advocate for a complete ban, others believe the focus should be on teaching students how to utilize this technology effectively and responsibly.
“We owe it to our students and this generation,” asserted Shelby Reynolds, assistant director of instructional technology and library services at Washington’s Northshore School District, in conversation with The Independent. “If we are to fulfill our responsibilities, we should harness the secure environment of our classrooms to educate them, equipping them for the outside world.”
AI usage for school assignments has already become common practice. A study released in October by the College Board revealed that AI use is more widespread than ever in American high schools, propelled by tools like ChatGPT, with 84% of students reporting they utilized generative AI tools to assist in their academic tasks.
The same research indicated that half of high school students employed AI tools for brainstorming, editing essays, and conducting research to find sources.
“It’s here to stay. It’s literally in their pockets every day,” Reynolds remarked.
Although nationwide mandatory AI literacy training is not yet standard, a rising number of high schools are beginning to implement it. Boston Public Schools recently announced plans to ensure all high school graduates receive AI literacy training, Atlanta Public Schools has started automatically enrolling all seniors in a foundational AI Essentials course, and Irvine Unified School District has already introduced AI literacy lessons for students from grades 4 to 12.
Not everyone is in favor of this early integration of AI. In March, over 1,500 parents and educators in New York signed a petition advocating for a ban on AI in schools, responding to guidance issued by the state Department of Education.
The AI Moratorium Coalition, which initiated the petition, emphasized the guidance’s acknowledgment that “the long-term effects on how children learn, think, and develop in the age of AI are not fully understood,” and “no school system globally has accounted for all the implications.”
“Our main concerns revolve around the impact on students’ developing brains and cognitive growth,” said Liat Olenick, a teacher and program director for Climate Families NYC, a member of the AIM coalition, in dialogue with The Independent. “Research indicates that AI usage may hinder brain development and children’s capacity to learn and retain knowledge, which we all agree is the purpose of education.”
A 2024 study involving 1,000 students in Pennsylvania found that those who had access to ChatGPT solved 48 percent more math problems correctly. However, this same group ultimately achieved a 17 percent lower score on a test than those who had no access to the AI, leading researchers to refer to the tool as a “crutch.”
“There’s a misconception that to be college-ready, students need to learn how to use AI,” explained Kelly Clancy of Parents for AI Caution in Educational Spaces, also part of the AIM coalition.
“But students arrive [at college] lacking essential skills because they’ve relied on these programs to navigate high school,” Clancy continued. “Using AI is incredibly straightforward. What they really need to master are the foundational, challenging skills.”
Jared Greene, Academic Director at Inspirit AI, a company that provides AI literacy training from kindergarten through university, asserts that appropriate training and usage for students is still lacking.
“This issue is urgent,” Greene told The Independent. “Ideally, this should have been included in the curriculum long ago. When I was growing up, learning to type was mandatory. That skill became foundational because eventually, everyone encounters a computer. I believe AI literacy is just as essential.”
Inspirit currently collaborates with over 250 schools globally, including Northshore School District. Last summer, Reynolds organized a two-week “AI camp” to focus on AI literacy, real-life applications, and problem-solving.
However, Olenick argues that just because a technology is prevalent in society and used by adults, it doesn’t mean it should be integrated into educational settings.
“We regulate various aspects of children’s access in schools for their protection, and we believe this should be no exception,” she expressed.
“It’s more crucial to emphasize critical thinking and media literacy, teaching students to differentiate between primary and secondary sources. This training will better prepare them to interact with such technology.”
Last year, New York state governor Kathy Hochul implemented a ban on cell phones in schools, a decision that was well-received by parents and educators. Olenick perceives a parallel in this situation.
“Many believe the cell phone ban was overdue by a decade,” she reflected. “We want to avoid being in a position with AI, five to ten years down the line, where we’ve unwittingly harmed a generation of students and had the chance to pause before potential damage was done.”
