Ohio’s School AI Policy Expected to Evolve With Technology

Ohio’s new AI model policy, introduced by the Department of Education and Workforce (DEW), anticipates future revisions due to the rapid evolution of AI technologies.
The model policy serves as a guiding framework for local school districts and charter schools to develop their own tailored AI policies.
The state currently lacks established learning standards for AI but requires local boards and schools to adopt formal AI policies by July 1.
DEW’s AI policy emphasizes ethical AI use, prohibiting tools from being used for bullying or harassment, and mandates that AI usage align with human-centered principles.
Districts are encouraged to use AI tools for brainstorming and limited research, but AI cannot replace essential student learning efforts or educator roles.
The policy addresses student communication with families about AI use in classrooms, stressing the importance of discussing the risks of unsupervised AI usage.
Compliance with federal privacy laws, including theFERPA, is required, and the policy specifically bans the use of AI for creating harmful content or complying with sexual extortion laws.
The policy builds on the statewide AI Toolkit released in 2024, which was highlighted at a recent White House Artificial Intelligence Education Task Force meeting.

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