Office of Educational Technology (EdTech)

Artificial Intelligence (AI) in K12 Schools

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"The rise of AI tools in education brings opportunities for educators to personalize learning experiences. Therefore, effective strategies to build AI literacy must include a multifaceted approach that includes curriculum development support, ongoing professional development and coaching, allows community engagement, as well as clear policy and guidance for responsible and effective use of AI-powered tools." — Universal Connectivity Imperative , SETDA 2025
Massachusetts Guidance for Artificial Intelligence in K–12 Education Reusable Learning Object: AI Literacy for Educators

Over the past three years, generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools have rapidly become accessible to students, educators, and school communities. These tools—ranging from large language models to image and audio generators—offer exciting opportunities as well as significant risks and challenges. Educators across the Commonwealth are navigating how to harness these tools to support teaching and learning, while also addressing emerging concerns related to academic integrity, bias, data privacy, misinformation, and instructional quality.

DESE's Office of EdTech (OET) and Digital Literacy and Computer Science (DLCS) team are collaborating to navigate this emerging technology and chart a responsible course. OET and DLCS teams partnered with ISTE+ASCD to convene a K–12 AI Task Force focused on developing recommendations to support school communities in their use of AI. The Task Force concluded its initial phase of work in the Fall of 2024. Based on the Task Force recommendations, the following Multi-Year AI Roadmap was developed.

Multi-Year AI Roadmap

  • Engage Task Force
    August 2024
    • Produce recommendations for state actions to support AI in K12 school.

Task Force

  • The initial phase of the Task Force was completed in Fall 2024. Learn more about the Task Force Recommendations in the Integrating Artificial Intelligence report .
  • The Task Force recommended the state provide resources and support in three main areas: Resource Creation & Curation; Comprehensive Professional Development; and Local and Statewide Policy Supports.
  • DESE will continue to work with the Task Force to help monitor the effectiveness of AI resources, inform ongoing strategy, and to elevate opportunities and challenges as they arise.

  • Create Resources
    Spring-Summer 2025
    • AI Literacy
    • Guidelines & Policies
    • Student Data Privacy — Coming Soon

Resource Development

The Department is working with multiple partners to develop resources that will lay the foundation for creating a more consistent understanding of and vision for generative AI in Massachusetts schools. Resources will be completed and published here during the Summer of 2025.

  • Implementation Support
    School Year 2025 - 2026
    • Workshops & Trainings
    • Tool Recommendations
    • Technical Assistance

Implementation Support

Implementation resources and support, including workshops and webinars, will be available during the 2025-2026 school year, and will be included here.

  • Policy Considerations
    School Year 2026 - 2027
    • Embed AI into MA Curriculum Frameworks & Educator Preparation Programs

Featured Resources and Partnerships:

Gov's AI Task Force

Related Resources & Publications

Please note: DESE is providing this information as a service to educators, schools, and districts and may revise or supplement it from time to time. The publication of this information does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by DESE of any resource, product, curriculum, or system. DESE welcomes comments, additional information, and suggestions; please contact Jacqulyn.m.gantzer@mass.gov .

Additional DESE Supports:

Last Updated: August 18, 2025

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