Maryland Schools Must Teach AI Literacy Under New State Law
Maryland public schools will incorporate artificial intelligence literacy into their curriculum under legislation that took effect June 1, 2026. The Artificial Intelligence Ready Schools Act requires school systems to integrate AI instruction into computer science and workforce preparation standards for kindergarten through grade 12 by June 1, 2027.
The state's education department must issue statewide guidelines on AI use in schools through an online platform. School systems have 120 days from the guidelines' release to implement their own AI policies.
What educators need to know
The law mandates professional training in AI for educators and school leaders. Maryland will also establish an AI Education Collaborative to provide reports and recommendations on best practices for K-12 AI instruction.
The bill addresses a gap in preparation. Some districts across Maryland were using AI aggressively while others banned certain tools, and many teachers had little to no training, according to state senators who sponsored the legislation.
"If we don't teach kids how to use it, they're going to learn on their own and not learn well," said Danielle Dunn, a media specialist at Hammond High School in Columbia.
Early adoption underway
Some districts are already moving forward. Howard County high school students can access education-based Gemini AI accounts, giving educators a head start on implementation before the statewide deadline.
For educators seeking to understand AI fundamentals and classroom applications, resources like an AI Learning Path for Teachers can help bridge the training gap the law addresses. Broader context on AI for Education initiatives may also help schools develop their implementation strategies.
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