Illinois schools seeking AI guidance for classrooms

School officials are seeking guidance on the appropriate and conscious use of AI in education.
Surveys indicate teachers see potential in AI but desire clear guidelines on its use.
Teach Plus Illinois conducted a survey that led to the creation of Senate Bill 1920, which required the Illinois State Board of Education to develop a statewide AI use guide by July.
Educators recognize AI’s importance in the future workforce and emphasize teaching students to use it effectively and ethically.
AI can aid in lesson planning, feedback, and adapting content to meet students’ diverse needs, particularly multilingual and disabled students.
There are concerns about AI potentially replacing student learning and affecting decisions based on high-stakes work.
Both Teach Plus Illinois and educators stress that AI should support, rather than replace, human interaction and critical thinking in education.
A complete ban on AI in schools is seen as impractical, as it would fail to prepare students for real-world skills and knowledge.