U.S. Department of Education Issues Guidance on Artificial Intelligence Use in Schools, Proposes Additional Supplemental Priority

Today, the U.S. Department of Education sent a Dear Colleague Letter (DCL) to grantees and future grantees on leveraging federal grant funds to improve education outcomes through Artificial Intelligence (AI). This guidance outlines how AI may be used across key educational functions, articulates principles for the responsible use of AI, and affirms that such uses are allowable under existing federal education programs, provided they align with applicable statutory and regulatory requirements.

U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon also announced her fourth proposed supplemental grantmaking priority, advancing AI in education. It has been published in the Federal Register for a 30-day public comment period. Once all comments are received, summarized, and responded to, the Department will complete the rulemaking process by publishing a Notice of Final Priorities (NFP) that it will utilize to shape future discretionary grant competitions.

"Artificial intelligence has the potential to revolutionize education and support improved outcomes for learners," said U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon. "It drives personalized learning, sharpens critical thinking, and prepares students with problem-solving skills that are vital for tomorrow's challenges. Today's guidance also emphasizes the importance of parent and teacher engagement in guiding the ethical use of AI and using it as a tool to support individualized learning and advancement. By teaching about AI and foundational computer science while integrating AI technology responsibly, we can strengthen our schools and lay the foundation for a stronger, more competitive economy."

Today's actions are in response to President Trump's April 23 Executive Order, Advancing Artificial Intelligence Education for American Youth.

Background:

Dear Colleague Letter on AI:

This guidance addresses the use of formula and discretionary grant funds to support improved outcomes for learners through the responsible integration of AI, including:

• AI-based high-quality instructional materials;
• AI-enhanced high-impact tutoring; and
• AI for college and career pathway exploration, advising, and navigation.

The letter also overviews principles for the responsible adoption of AI, including attention to user privacy issues and the importance of teaching students about the appropriate use of AI in the context of social media.

The guidance document emphasizes the importance of engaging affected stakeholders, especially parents, in decisions about the adoption and deployment of new technologies.

Secretary McMahon's Supplemental Priority on AI:

In May, Secretary McMahon announced her first three proposed priorities for the Department's discretionary grants: evidence-based literacy, expanding education choice, and returning education to the states.

Secretary McMahon's proposed priority outlines key areas for expanding responsible AI education, including:

• Integrating AI literacy into teaching practices to improve student outcomes;
• Expanding AI and computer science education in K-12 schools and higher education institutions;
• Supporting professional development for educators on teaching AI and computer science fundamentals; and
• Using AI to personalize learning and support differentiated instruction, improving outcomes for students at all levels.

Additionally, the proposed priority encourages the use of AI technologies to enhance classroom efficiency, reduce administrative burdens, and improve teacher training and evaluation.

The Department seeks public comment on the proposed priority and definitions. Interested parties are invited to submit feedback via the Federal eRulemaking Portal at Regulations.gov by August 20, 2025.

In addition to its grant competitions, the Department is exploring ways to streamline and modernize its own operations by leveraging AI in support of students and families. In particular, Federal Student Aid (FSA) recently asked its current and anticipated vendors how they could utilize AI to detect and prevent fraud and abuse and improve service delivery related to student aid and postsecondary pathway exploration.

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