Schools scramble to write the rulebook for classroom AI

Policy trackers counted dozens of state bills on AI in classrooms during the 2026 US legislative session — FutureEd logged 77 across 27 states — and at least 34 states have now issued some form of AI guidance for K-12 schools.

Illinois published a framework running to some 400 pages in July, telling teachers they may use AI for brainstorming, organising and drafting communications, but not for assigning grades or discipline. The US Department of Education has issued its own guidance, while states such as California have moved to stop student data being used to train AI models.

A template the world is watching

The recurring themes — transparency, limits on high-stakes use, AI literacy and data privacy — are shaping how international schools draft their own policies. Most operate across jurisdictions where no single national rule applies to them, which leaves the drafting, and the judgement, with the school.

Sources

Chalkbeat — Illinois teachers get guidance on how to use AI in schools · FutureEd — Legislative tracker: 2026 state AI in education bills · US Department of Education — Guidance on artificial intelligence use in schools