Students Propose National AI Policy for K-12 Classrooms

Student leaders from across the United States have come together to propose a national AI policy for K-12 classrooms. The proposal, which was developed at the America's Youth AI Festival in Boston, aims to provide guidelines for the use of artificial intelligence in schools.

The festival, which was hosted by Day of AI, MIT RAISE, The School Superintendents Association, and the Edward M. Kennedy Institute, brought together student leaders, educators, and school system leaders to discuss acceptable AI use in schools. The event culminated in a debate among "student senators" from across the country, who framed a multi-faceted bill that will be presented to the 10,000 member-districts in The School Superintendents Association for further discussion and debate.

## The Need for Student Involvement

The students identified several areas of concern for young people using AI, including academic integrity and cheating, compromised learning and critical thinking, and threats to privacy, security, and mental health. They also emphasized the importance of expanding equitable access to AI tools and resources, particularly for students who may lack support outside of school.

The student leaders hope that their policy proposals will help shape clear and consistent AI policies that reflect the experiences and priorities of students themselves. As federal and state lawmakers address the call for tighter regulations around artificial intelligence, the students believe that their voices should be heard.

## Experiencing the Wide Range of AI Policies

The student senators brought their own experiences with AI usage to the debate and discussed a range of ways in which their schools are approaching policy. Some communities are drafting or have adopted policies, while many have uneven access to AI tools and unclear guidance. The students worked in subcommittees, produced and voted on amendments, and engaged in floor debate.

The final debate was followed by a roll call vote, and the resulting bill is not perfect, but it is an important first step in AI regulation. The conversation was less about the pros and cons of AI itself, and more about the pros and cons of different methods of regulation and how far to go.

## Recommendations That Garnered Strong Support

Some of the debated proposals garnered strong support among student senators, including proportional funding for every district, with a baseline minimum to limit economic disparities with AI. The students also decided that students should not use AI independently before ninth grade, and that AI literacy should begin in grades K-5.

The student senators also proposed a provision outlining federal funding, which would make various clauses in the bill a real possibility for underfunded and underprivileged communities. The majority of the students acknowledged the need for more guidelines for the use of AI, citing personal safety, data privacy, and environmental impact as areas that need to be regulated.

## A 'Not Perfect' Bill Emerges

At the end of the debate, the bill was passed through the student senate, which is seen as a really great stepping stone as students continue to navigate their way through this very new technology. The students saw the potential benefits of AI for brainstorming, research, and self-directed learning, but they want to see AI responsibly incorporated into education for themselves and future students as the technology develops.

The student-created regulations will be shared with school leaders nationwide, gathering feedback through webinars and other discussions, and giving students opportunities to continue refining and advocating for their recommendations. The goal is that the STUDENTS First Act will become a practical starting point for policymakers, school systems, educators, and families, rather than a finished piece of legislation to be adopted word for word.