As artificial intelligence continues to transform how we live and learn, its growing presence in K–12 education is prompting both excitement and concern among educators. A new survey of over 650 district administrators, school leaders, and teachers reveals increasing optimism around AI's potential — even as challenges like student cheating and privacy risks remain prominent, as stated in The Journal.
Key Findings Highlight a Mixed Landscape
- AI Adoption Expands, But Usage Differs Across Roles
The roles also shape how AI is applied. Administrators tend to use AI for drafting communications, while teachers rely on it for creating educational materials. Still, both groups value AI’s ability to reduce administrative workloads and assist with brainstorming, lesson planning, data analysis, and translation.
- Cheating and Privacy Remain Top Concerns
Privacy is another major worry. Educators’ concerns about data security have remained steady, with 76% expressing moderate to high concern in both 2024 and 2025.
- Policy Development Is Increasing — Slowly
Policy adoption also varies by funding and location. Only 34% of Title I schools have an AI policy, compared to 46% of non-Title I institutions. Rural districts lag behind suburban and urban ones, with only 31% reporting official policies versus 44% and 45%, respectively.
- Educators Want More Training — and Support
In addition, 34% of educators report difficulty integrating AI tools effectively into their workflow, and 25% have encountered technical problems when using AI solutions.
- Growing Acceptance of Student Use — Within Limits
A growing number of teachers are also talking with students about ethical AI usage. In 2025, 64% of educators say they’ve discussed responsible use of AI in class — up from 42% in 2024. However, about half of all schools and districts still maintain partial restrictions on student AI usage.
A Path Forward for AI in Education
Overall, belief in AI’s promise is on the rise: 81% of educators say they’re optimistic about AI’s future in education, compared to 67% last year.
Based on the survey findings, the report outlines several actionable steps for school districts:
As Jimmy Brehm writes, “The key to progress is collaboration. Working together, administrators, teachers, students, families, and solution providers can shape the future of AI in education to maximize efficiency and support positive outcomes for all.”
Based on the survey findings, the report outlines several actionable steps for school districts:
- Develop and implement comprehensive AI policies, including clear guidelines for academic integrity and data privacy, shaped with input from educators, students, and parents.
- Invest in AI literacy for students, focusing on ethical and responsible use.
- Provide structured, practical training for educators to integrate AI into lesson planning, grading, and classroom engagement.
- Leverage AI to reduce administrative burdens and minimize educator burnout.
- Ensure human oversight, so AI serves as a support tool — not a replacement — in education.
As Jimmy Brehm writes, “The key to progress is collaboration. Working together, administrators, teachers, students, families, and solution providers can shape the future of AI in education to maximize efficiency and support positive outcomes for all.”