Fast and Furious: Pros and Cons of Rapidly Developing AI K12 Education Policies

Session Submission Type: Late-Breaking Roundtable

Abstract

State and local policymakers are all struggling to keep pace with the rapid influence of AI in education, particularly in K12 schools. Should we implement screen time bans like many have done with cell phone bans? Should parents have the option to opt in or opt out when it comes to student AI usage in school, or should we institute a system-wide moratorium on AI use by students (like NYC schools and LA Unified)? How do we protect student data privacy in an age of AI? What are the pros and cons of each of these policy choices? Legislators, state education agencies, and local school boards are all struggling with these questions across all 50 states. This roundtable discussion will be led by individuals who have been actively involved in  K12 AI and computing policy in the states of California, Texas, and Massachusetts and who are part of a larger 30 state network of leaders termed the Expanding Computing Education Pathways (ECEP) Alliance grappling with these same issues. They will facilitate conversations around policy choices cited here along with other topics that may emerge in the coming months, encouraging round table participants to consider the potential short and long-term implications of these policies on the equitable development of AI literacy for students across a wide range of demographic identities.

Policy Area

• Education

Moderator

• Joshua Childs, The University of Texas at Austin

Organizer

• Carol L. Fletcher, The University of Texas at Austin

Speakers

• Sonia Koshy, Kapor Foundation

• Rebecca Zarch, SageFox Consulting Group