Today’s generation of students cannot afford to wait 10 years to realize the game-changing potential of artificial intelligence. We face an education crisis in this country where only 36% and 33% of fourth graders are proficient in math and reading, respectively. Research and application already show that utilizing AI to support and empower educators and students can be highly effective, and now is the time to scale it in schools.
That’s why it is extremely encouraging to see how district leaders have already embraced artificial intelligence, and how they want to expand the use in the near term, if given the necessary resources to do so.
According to a new poll conducted by District Administration in partnership with the company I work for, Age of Learning, 75% of district leaders say AI is being used in their schools in at least one way, with the most common being curriculum development followed by handling repetitive tasks, individualizing instruction, gathering resources and personalizing learning.
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Among the most interesting findings is where district leaders want to apply AI if they have the necessary funding. Currently, 12% report using the technology to analyze assessment data and 10% to identify students in need of intervention. With more funding available, however, the number of district leaders that would apply AI to strengthen how assessment data is analyzed is nearly quadrupled. Further, the number that would deploy it to more effectively identify which children need additional support would triple.
This underscores AI’s potential to drive data-informed decision-making and improve student success.
In fact, AI is seen as a tool to help drive improved learning outcomes. Some 82% of administrators believe AI could significantly or somewhat improve math learning outcomes, and 88% see it as a promising tool for boosting reading progress. Administrators specifically mention leveraging AI’s ability to tailor instruction and resources, engage students more effectively and accelerate their growth in these critical areas.
This is particularly important because data-driven personalization is a key strategy for addressing pandemic-induced learning loss and the widening opportunity gap among students. The use of assessment data to pinpoint what each student needs can be very effective but requires data analysis capabilities that most educators either do not have or do not have time to exercise effectively.
Using AI in this way is an ideal partnership between technology and educators—the AI surfaces relevant insights and the teachers focus on direct student engagement, resulting in improved student outcomes. This can be especially powerful for educators because their time is already spread too thin. The less time they spend manually analyzing data, the more time they use their superpowers to help students become more confident readers.
The survey findings provide a clear roadmap for all stakeholders who prioritize education and opportunity. Schools became early adopters in this new era of AI and are ready to accelerate and scale the use—if they have the resources needed. District leaders are not blindly embracing AI; instead, they are taking a measured, informed approach to implementation. This balanced approach combines enthusiasm for AI’s transformative potential with a commitment to responsible and informed implementation.
As more districts embrace this philosophy, the education sector can look forward to a future where artificial intelligence enhances teaching and learning, empowering educators and students alike to achieve their full potential.
