Pennsylvania Educators Push State for AI Guidance in Schools
Pennsylvania schools are operating without state guidance on artificial intelligence while at least 33 other states have already created task forces or published policies on the technology. Educators testified before the state House Education Committee on Tuesday, asking legislators to establish clear frameworks before AI becomes too embedded in classrooms to regulate effectively.
Mark Holtzman, superintendent of the Hempfield Area School District, told lawmakers that AI is already reshaping how students consume information, create content and evaluate sources. Schools need to ensure students understand not just how to use these tools, but also their capabilities, limitations and ethical implications.
The hearing, held at Pittsburgh Public Schools headquarters, revealed a significant gap in state policy. At least 35 states have published AI guidance for schools, and 26 states have released task force reports addressing topics like AI literacy, educator training and ethical classroom use.
What Other States Are Doing
Georgia's Professional Standards Commission released ethical guidelines for educators using AI. Nevada enacted a law in 2025 prohibiting schools from using AI to replace school counselors, psychologists or social workers. Idaho passed legislation in 2026 requiring the state education department to develop a statewide framework for generative AI education.
Katja Krieger, a policy analyst with the Education Commission for the States, said common themes are emerging across state policies. Most focus on adoption guidelines, permitted and prohibited uses, data privacy protections and AI literacy instruction.
What Educators Want From the State
Mark Stuckey, chief technology officer for Pittsburgh Public Schools, outlined specific needs. He said the state should require AI vendors to be transparent about student data collection, mandate equity impact standards and bias audits, invest in educator training, and distribute funding equitably across all districts.
Holtzman requested that state guidelines preserve flexibility for individual school districts to adapt policies to their needs. Melissa Costantino-Poruben, a sixth-grade math teacher, framed the issue as a lesson from the past: "We've seen what happens when technology outpaces guidance as it did with social media. This time, we must be proactive."
Educators emphasized they should not have to develop AI policies in isolation. Stuckey said Pittsburgh Public Schools and other districts need the state to be an active partner in building equitable frameworks.
Consider exploring AI for Education resources or the AI Learning Path for Teachers for practical guidance on classroom implementation.
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