The Hill: AI ready to hit its stride in schools in 2025

As the new year unfolds, experts predict 2025 will be a breakthrough year for artificial intelligence (AI) in K-12 education. Following a foundational year in 2024, where strides were made in professional training, data science curriculum development, and federal guidance, AI is poised to play a transformative role in classrooms nationwide.

According to Zarek Drozda, Executive Director of Data Science 4 Everyone, the education system has moved past its initial "reaction mode" with AI. Teachers have logged over 71,000 hours of professional development in data science since 2020, and nearly 300 schools have added data science courses. Yet, only two states—California and Oregon—have seen more than 3% of their students enrolled in these courses, underscoring the work still to be done.

Federal efforts, like the release of a comprehensive AI toolkit for schools, have equipped educators with resources to integrate AI responsibly. Teachers now use AI to streamline lesson planning and personalize instruction, but challenges remain, including addressing issues like AI misuse and misinformation.

As AI becomes more mainstream in classrooms, experts like Pati Ruiz of Digital Promise emphasize the importance of AI literacy and the need to mitigate security risks. With greater awareness, schools can responsibly harness the power of AI, not only for teaching but also to combat pressing issues like misinformation.

2025 offers an opportunity to build on last year’s progress and push AI integration in education to new heights. For more insights, read the full article by Lexi Lonas Cochran on The Hill here.