Navigating the AI State Guidance in Education

Seung addressed that despite the promising direction of state-level AI guidance, several critical issues have emerged and require further attention. One significant gap is the lack of practical instruction in AI literacy. Although many state documents emphasize the importance of teaching both students and educators about AI, few offer frameworks and practical strategies to support this instruction in the classroom. Another concern is around cognitive development. There is limited research and guidance on how early and frequent exposure to AI tools may affect students’ learning processes and thinking skills over time. Key questions remain unanswered, such as what age is appropriate to introduce AI in education and how reliance on AI might shape long-term cognitive and academic growth. In addition, the tension between academic integrity and instructional innovation presents a complex challenge. While some states approach AI cautiously, emphasizing the need for strict guidelines to prevent plagiarism and misuse, others advocate for reimagining how assessment and learning should look in the age of AI. As Dr. Basham noted during the webinar, this debate is reminiscent of the earlier controversies around calculators in math education—raising the question of when and how to embrace new technology without undermining essential learning.