A coalition of school advocacy groups and education technology organizations has called upon federal lawmakers to strengthen oversight and guidance on artificial intelligence in education, as stated by Education Week. With AI’s growing presence in classrooms, these groups believe Congress has a crucial role in establishing ethical, equitable, and evidence-based standards for its implementation.

Organizations like the EdSAFE AI Alliance and the Software & Information Industry Association (SIIA) spearheaded the initiative, which includes advocacy groups such as the Consortium for School Networking, the National Center for Learning Disabilities, and the State Educational Technology Directors Association. These groups recently submitted letters to both the House and Senate, recommending a dedicated forum on AI in education—a move designed to mirror Congress’s efforts to support AI in other sectors. “Many states, school districts, institutions of higher education, and private companies are forging ahead [with artificial intelligence],” the groups noted, adding that “a patchwork may leave many holes, and Congress and the federal government have an important role to play in supporting states and districts with funding, guidance, and expertise.”

The coalition has proposed an “Insights Forum” to establish a collaborative space where policymakers, educators, and ed-tech industry leaders can explore AI’s transformative potential in education. The forum would aim to reach consensus on pressing policy issues, develop recommendations for new legislation, and set a foundation for ongoing federal involvement in education-focused AI adoption. According to the letters, such a forum would provide a platform for stakeholders to communicate their needs, share successes, and address challenges associated with integrating AI into educational frameworks.

“A national conversation on this is overdue,” said Paul Lekas, SIIA’s Senior Vice President of Global Public Policy. “While many state boards of education have issued guidance, it’s essential to bring policymakers from beyond the [U.S.] Department of Education into the fold to shape a broader federal perspective.” Lekas suggested that public forums could explore federal grants aimed at encouraging effective AI practices in schools and safeguarding civil rights and equity.

Sara Kloek, SIIA’s Vice President of Education and Children’s Policy, echoed this sentiment, stressing the need for professional development for educators and AI tools that enhance critical thinking and academic integrity. Public forums, she argues, would offer valuable insights for educators and industry leaders while keeping the focus on safe, equitable, and effective AI integration in classrooms.

These industry groups are looking to the federal government to play a pivotal role in crafting policy that will help educators harness AI’s potential responsibly. “AI has the potential to revolutionize education, and there is a role for the federal government here, and it’s worth exploring what that role is,” added Lekas. The groups believe that with federal oversight, AI could significantly improve teaching and learning experiences while minimizing risks related to privacy, civil rights, and digital equity.