Technology
LAUSD restricts all students from using AI tools
Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) has confirmed that it will comprehensively restrict all student access to generative artificial intelligence platforms for the 2026-27 school year. Previously, students aged 13 and older who had completed digital citizenship education could use approved AI tools. The restriction takes effect while the district reviews AI's instructional uses and safeguards. This move follows New York City's announcement of a one-year AI ban for K-12 schools, as the two largest U.S. education systems take successive actions, prompting discussions about the direction of national AI education policy.
New York City pauses AI use for elementary, middle school students
The New York City education system announced a one-year artificial intelligence moratorium for the 2026-27 school year, prohibiting the use of AI tools for students from 2-K to 8th grade, affecting approximately 600,000 students. Additionally, the city introduced screen time limit policies for younger students. This move has elicited mixed reactions from experts and advocacy groups in the educational technology sector.
Voters express broad concerns about AI and tech in schools, survey shows
A survey released by The Century Foundation found that over 80% of American voters are concerned about issues such as AI use in classrooms and student data collection, with clear bipartisan consensus. The majority support the government setting explicit rules rather than leaving matters to teachers.
Use daily communications to test emergency alert capabilities: K-12 tech experts
As students return to school, K-12 facility managers are advised to test school communication systems to ensure emergency readiness. A Singlewire report shows that schools send nearly 20 million notifications annually, with 8% being emergencies. Experts emphasize that daily communications are key to testing emergency preparedness and note that technology investments must also address psychological safety.
District HR leaders: Keep humans in decision-making as AI’s presence grows
In an online seminar hosted by ILO Group, HR leaders from Fairfax County Public Schools in Virginia, Indianapolis Public Schools, and the Colorado Department of Education shared use cases of AI in personnel management, stressing that AI is a supportive tool rather than a replacement for decision-making, and discussed data privacy and governance issues.
4 questions every district should ask before adopting or scaling AI
Artificial intelligence has been integrated into school instruction, student support, counseling, career exploration, and even special education, often advancing faster than districts' governance capacity. This article notes that many districts set measurable goals such as '75% of teachers using a certain AI product by the 2026-27 school year,' yet these goals lack the critical 'why.' The article raises four questions to guide districts in starting from solving real problems, defining quantifiable outcome metrics, clarifying what high-quality AI looks like, and establishing evidence-collection mechanisms, while emphasizing that privacy, security, and governance must come first.
Test yourself on the past week’s K-12 news
This article offers a five-question quiz on this week's K-12 education developments, helping readers self-assess their information retention and encouraging them to share results via social media.
FCC Seeks Public Input on Future of E-rate Program
The Federal Communications Commission is accepting public comment on a proposed rule that weighs changes to or discontinuation of the E-rate program, a 30-year-old initiative providing discounted internet services to schools and libraries. The comment period closes Oct. 13.
CISA Releases K-12 Cybersecurity Guidance Amid Persistent Threats to Schools
CISA issued new K-12 cybersecurity guidance on Aug. 12, offering two guides to help school and district leaders establish and maintain cyber defense programs. The resources address persistent threats like ransomware and data breaches, while acknowledging challenges such as budget constraints and recent federal workforce reductions.