As artificial intelligence continues to reshape every corner of our lives, lawmakers are turning their attention to the classroom. In a hearing titled “From Chalkboards to Chatbots: The Impact of AI on K-12 Education,” Rep. Kevin Kiley (R-CA), Chairman of the Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education Subcommittee, highlighted both the transformative potential and the serious challenges that come with integrating AI into America’s schools, as stated in the Committee on Education & Workforce News. “Artificial Intelligence has been advancing at such a rapid pace...that by the end of this hearing anything we say this morning will probably be outdated,” Kiley remarked, setting the tone for a forward-looking conversation about education’s future.
A Moment of Opportunity
Despite the unease surrounding AI—from job displacement to data privacy—Kiley emphasized the tremendous opportunity at hand, particularly in education. “We suddenly have tools to address many longstanding challenges in new and powerful ways,” he said. “AI can change that. It has the potential to give every child in America a richer educational experience than any child in America had just a few years ago.”
Kiley, a former high school teacher himself, criticized the persistent educational disparities in the U.S., especially in his home state of California. He positioned AI as a powerful equalizer—one that could help close achievement gaps and improve outcomes across the board.
At the heart of the discussion was AI’s ability to personalize learning. Tools like Khanmigo from Khan Academy were highlighted as examples of AI-powered tutoring systems that are always available, cost-effective, and highly adaptable. “This is a very special kind of tutor: one that is available any time of day...that can’t be stumped by any question.”
These AI tutors not only track a student’s progress but also tailor lessons to their individual needs—something Kiley pointed out was once unimaginable.
Kiley, a former high school teacher himself, criticized the persistent educational disparities in the U.S., especially in his home state of California. He positioned AI as a powerful equalizer—one that could help close achievement gaps and improve outcomes across the board.
At the heart of the discussion was AI’s ability to personalize learning. Tools like Khanmigo from Khan Academy were highlighted as examples of AI-powered tutoring systems that are always available, cost-effective, and highly adaptable. “This is a very special kind of tutor: one that is available any time of day...that can’t be stumped by any question.”
These AI tutors not only track a student’s progress but also tailor lessons to their individual needs—something Kiley pointed out was once unimaginable.
Students Are Already Using AI—Now Schools Must Catch Up
Recent surveys show that nearly 50% of K-12 students use ChatGPT at least weekly, with many relying on it to brainstorm, summarize, or review assignments. While AI is already embedded in how students learn, schools have lagged in establishing frameworks to support its responsible use. “The question is not whether students will use AI – that’s already happening,” said Kiley. “Rather, the question is how schools can support students in using AI responsibly and in unlocking its full potential to advance student achievement.”
Teachers are also poised to gain from AI, particularly in automating administrative tasks and allowing more time for personal connection with students. Citing a McKinsey report, Kiley noted that AI could save teachers up to 13 hours per week—time that could be reinvested into high-impact teaching.
While the potential is huge, Kiley didn’t shy away from the risks. He noted that about 40% of middle and high school students admitted to using AI tools without permission to complete schoolwork. “The bigger challenge is to be vigilant in assuring AI never becomes a shortcut to avoid engaging critical thinking, formulating original ideas, and persevering through challenging content.”
Data privacy and screen time were also flagged as major concerns, with a call for careful implementation that maintains human connection at the center of learning.
Teachers are also poised to gain from AI, particularly in automating administrative tasks and allowing more time for personal connection with students. Citing a McKinsey report, Kiley noted that AI could save teachers up to 13 hours per week—time that could be reinvested into high-impact teaching.
While the potential is huge, Kiley didn’t shy away from the risks. He noted that about 40% of middle and high school students admitted to using AI tools without permission to complete schoolwork. “The bigger challenge is to be vigilant in assuring AI never becomes a shortcut to avoid engaging critical thinking, formulating original ideas, and persevering through challenging content.”
Data privacy and screen time were also flagged as major concerns, with a call for careful implementation that maintains human connection at the center of learning.
Local Control, National Conversation
Kiley closed by stressing that federal mandates aren’t the solution. Instead, he advocated for empowering state and local educators to experiment, innovate, and share best practices. “Education is fundamentally a state and local issue, and the best education solutions emerge when school leaders and teachers are given flexibility to do what’s best for their students.”
This hearing signals a turning point in how the federal government views AI in schools—not as a distant novelty, but as a powerful tool already transforming education. With the right guardrails and local leadership, AI could usher in a new era of learning—where personalized education is not a privilege, but a standard.
This hearing signals a turning point in how the federal government views AI in schools—not as a distant novelty, but as a powerful tool already transforming education. With the right guardrails and local leadership, AI could usher in a new era of learning—where personalized education is not a privilege, but a standard.