AI reached K–12 classrooms before state policies on its use and role in public education did. States are taking action—but for most, that action is still ad hoc, fragmented, and not keeping up with the pace of change in classrooms and workplaces.
This report draws on survey responses and interviews with SEA staff and partner organization leaders, as well as CRPE’s State Early Adopter Database. Together, these sources represent perspectives from 39 states and territories and 18 partner organizations—one of the fullest pictures yet of how states are approaching AI in K-12 education.
The topline takeaway, which echoes our previous recent findings: states are taking action, but most approaches remain fragmented. CRPE’s analysis finds that many states are setting a vision, issuing guidance, creating advisory bodies, and supporting AI literacy, but far fewer are providing the operational support districts need to evaluate tools, navigate procurement, build evidence, or scale promising practices responsibly.
Key Findings:
- States are taking action on AI, but approaches have been largely ad hoc and fragmented.
- Partnerships are critical to how SEAs function in this space; they supplement (and sometimes substitute for) SEA capacity.
- Promising state approaches begin with clear leadership, allow for flexibility, and invest in people.
- Capacity constraints, political dynamics, and competing policy signals are key challenges ahead.
- Left unaddressed, fragmented state action risks widening equity gaps and leaving districts adrift—especially those serving high-need students.
- State AI integration requires visionary leadership, investment, evidence, and agility from SEAs. Absent this, the report warns, statewide AI integration will remain uneven and unproven.
As CRPE Director Robin Lake put it, “2026 is a year that demands decisive action…AI cannot be an afterthought for education leaders. Instead, it must be front and center in legislative agendas and policy decisions.” Read the full report to learn more and see recommendations for state leaders and policymakers.
