The SREB Commission on AI in Education has approved 12 final recommendations to help states, schools and colleges as they adopt artificial intelligence tools. Addressing both the challenges and the potential of AI in education, the Commission has focused on improving teaching and learning, upskilling educators, and guiding ethical and responsible use.

“Each state will decide how to apply the recommendations in its own local context,” said SREB Interim President Dale Winkler. “The Commission has produced a broad range of supporting guidance – from sample policy examples to purchasing checklists – to help leaders make the important decisions facing them right now.”

Recommendations
SREB Commission on AI in Education

Details with the 12 recommendations include context, examples, sources, checklists and more.

1. Establish State AI Networks
States should establish statewide artificial intelligence networks so people, groups and agencies can connect, communicate, collaborate and coordinate AI efforts across each state. More >

2. Develop Targeted AI Guidance
States should develop and maintain guidance for distinct groups such as elementary, middle school, high school and postsecondary students, teachers, administrators, postsecondary faculty and administrators and parents. More > 

3. Provide High-Quality Professional Development
State K-12 and postsecondary agencies should provide leadership by working with local districts and institutions to develop plans to provide and incentivize high-quality professional development for AI to enhance student learning. More >

4. Integrate Into Standards & Curricula
States should integrate AI knowledge and skills into K-12 standards and curricula so that students are prepared for the workforce. More >

5. Assess Local Capacity and Needs
States should conduct needs assessments to determine which local districts, schools and postsecondary institutions need support to implement AI. More >

6. Develop Resource Allocation Plans
States should develop detailed resource allocation plans for AI implementation in schools, school districts and institutions of postsecondary education to ensure that the implementation of AI is successful, sustainable and available to all students. More >

7. Update Risk Management to Cover AI
States should partner with school districts and postsecondary systems and institutions to ensure risk management policies assess and reduce risks associated with AI. More >

8. Create Strong AI Procurement Policies
States should work with districts and with postsecondary systems and institutions to create or update strong procurement policies to incorporate AI. More >

9. Align Across K-12, PSE and Workforce
States should align education, workforce and economic development strategies to support AI skill readiness. More >

10. Update Safety Policies  
States should regularly review, and revise if necessary, their educational technology safety policies to ensure that minors are protected from harm related to AI use. More >

11. Develop Postsecondary Adoption Playbooks
States should work with their postsecondary institutions and systems to develop an AI adoption playbook that will help all colleges, universities and other postsecondary institutions integrate AI responsibly, productively and efficiently. More >

12. Develop Evaluation Frameworks
States should begin developing evaluation frameworks to determine the impact of AI on K-12 and postsecondary education. More >

About the Commission

During 2024 and 2025, the SREB Commission on AI in Education has convened more than 75 leaders in education and business to chart a course for how AI is used in classrooms and how to prepare people for a workforce transformed by technology.

The Commission’s work focused on guidance to help policymakers and educators:

• Create policies for states, schools and colleges 
• Prepare students for careers 
• Use AI to enhance, not replace, instruction and student learning 
• Upskill educators to guide ethical use and protect student data privacy

SREB Resources: AI in education

 Skills for an AI-Ready Workforce report >

AI in the K-12 Classroom report > 

State Policy & Guidance tracker >

Procurement and evaluation checklist >