Reps. Whitesides, McClain-Delaney, and Salinas Introduce Bill to Help Study Impact of Artificial Intelligence in the Classroom

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Reps. George Whitesides (CA-27), April McClain-Delaney (MD-06), and Andrea Salinas (OR-06) introduced the Understanding AI in the Classroom Act. The use of artificial intelligence in the classroom has expanded greatly, yet very little research is being done to understand the real effects it has on students. As teachers and administrators evaluate if and how to permanently integrate AI into their classrooms, more data is needed to understand how it could affect students and their learning. The Understanding AI in the Classroom Act directs the National Science Foundation (NSF) to examine our knowledge of AI's impact on the classroom and determine what gaps in our understanding need further research.

"Artificial intelligence is already reshaping the way students learn, but without concrete data, it is nearly impossible to create sustainable policies that protect students' development," said Rep. Whitesides. "This bill is a step towards increasing our ability to research and understand AI's role in our children's education, and what measures we need to implement to make sure schools are deploying technology responsibly."

"As a mom of four and a longtime advocate for children's online safety and well-being, it's vital we study how artificial intelligence can impact our kids' learning and development before it becomes embedded in their classrooms," said Rep. McClain-Delaney. "While AI holds great potential, it also poses risks when its impact is not well vetted or understood. Our country owes it to our children to study how integrating AI in schools impacts them cognitively, socio-emotionally, and physically. A few years ago, the Children and Media Research Act (CAMRA) authorized NIH to study the impacts of social media on our kids, and I'm proud to co-lead this similar effort with Rep. Whitesides to ensure innovation in the classroom is guided by science and accountability."

"AI is already changing how students learn, but we still have serious questions about how it affects their attention, development, and reliance on technology," said Rep. Salinas. "Parents and teachers deserve clear, evidence-based answers before these tools become even more common in classrooms. The Understanding AI in the Classroom Act takes a practical first step by bringing experts together to identify gaps in the research, without imposing new mandates on schools. We need to understand how AI affects children of different ages and needs so educators can make informed choices that help every student succeed."

The Understanding AI in the Classroom Act specifically creates a pathway for NSF to convene experts that can help us to understand what research needs to be done on AI in the classroom, and how it could impact students. It directs NSF to study childrens':

• Attention span and learning independence.
• Cognitive, social, emotional, or behavioral development.
• Over-reliance or undue trust on artificial intelligence.
• Response to AI based on:
  • Age.
  • Learning disabilities, English as a Second Language (ESL) learners, and socioeconomic disadvantages.
  • The AI's traits and characteristics, such as over-flattering or praise.

###