New AI in Education Guidance from U.S. Department of Education

Published Date : 23-07-2025 

The U.S. Department of Education has issued a Dear Colleague Letter (DCL) to grantees and future grantees, outlining how federal grant funds can be used to enhance education through Artificial Intelligence (AI). 

Today, the U.S. Department of Education sent a Dear Colleague Letter (DCL) to grantees and future grantees, detailing how federal grant funds can be leveraged to improve educational outcomes using Artificial Intelligence (AI). This guidance provides a framework for the responsible use of AI in education, ensuring that such initiatives align with existing federal education programs and statutory requirements.

U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon also proposed a new supplemental grantmaking priority, focusing on advancing AI in education. This proposal has been published in the Federal Register for a 30-day public comment period. Once the comments are reviewed and addressed, the Department will finalize the rulemaking process by issuing a Notice of Final Priorities (NFP) to guide future discretionary grant competitions.

“Artificial intelligence has the potential to revolutionize education and support improved outcomes for learners,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon. “It drives personalized learning, sharpens critical thinking, and prepares students with problem-solving skills that are vital for tomorrow’s challenges. Today’s guidance also emphasizes the importance of parent and teacher engagement in guiding the ethical use of AI and using it as a tool to support individualized learning and advancement. By teaching about AI and foundational computer science while integrating AI technology responsibly, we can strengthen our schools and lay the foundation for a stronger, more competitive economy.”

Today’s actions are a response to President Trump’s April 23 Executive Order, titled “Advancing Artificial Intelligence Education for American Youth.” This order aims to enhance AI education and ensure that American youth are well-prepared for the future job market.

Background

Dear Colleague Letter on AI

The guidance addresses the use of both formula and discretionary grant funds to support improved outcomes for learners through the responsible integration of AI. Key areas of focus include:

- AI-based high-quality instructional materials

- AI-enhanced high-impact tutoring

- AI for college and career pathway exploration, advising, and navigation

The letter also outlines principles for the responsible adoption of AI, emphasizing user privacy and the importance of teaching students about the appropriate use of AI, particularly in the context of social media. The guidance stresses the importance of engaging affected stakeholders, especially parents, in decisions about the adoption and deployment of new technologies.

Secretary McMahon’s Supplemental Priority on AI

In May, Secretary McMahon announced her first three proposed priorities for the Department’s discretionary grants: evidence-based literacy, expanding education choice, and returning education to the states. The proposed priority on AI education outlines key areas for expanding responsible AI education, including:

- Integrating AI literacy into teaching practices to improve student outcomes

- Expanding AI and computer science education in K-12 schools and higher education institutions

- Supporting professional development for educators on teaching AI and computer science fundamentals

- Using AI to personalize learning and support differentiated instruction, improving outcomes for students at all levels

Additionally, the proposed priority encourages the use of AI technologies to enhance classroom efficiency, reduce administrative burdens, and improve teacher training and evaluation.

The Department is seeking public comment on the proposed priority and definitions. Interested parties are invited to submit feedback via the Federal eRulemaking Portal at Regulations.gov by August 20, 2025.

In addition to its grant competitions, the Department is exploring ways to streamline and modernize its own operations by leveraging AI in support of students and families. For instance, Federal Student Aid (FSA) has recently asked its current and anticipated vendors to explore how AI can be used to detect and prevent fraud and abuse, as well as to improve service delivery related to student aid and postsecondary pathway exploration.

By embracing AI in education, the U.S. Department of Education aims to equip students with the skills they need to succeed in a rapidly evolving technological landscape, while ensuring that these technologies are used responsibly and ethically. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS): 

Q: What is the purpose of the Dear Colleague Letter (DCL) issued by the U.S. Department of Education?

A: The DCL provides guidance on how federal grant funds can be used to improve educational outcomes through the responsible integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI). It outlines key areas of focus and principles for the ethical use of AI in education.

Q: What is the new proposed supplemental grantmaking priority announced by Secretary Linda McMahon?

A: The new proposed priority focuses on advancing AI in education. It aims to integrate AI literacy into teaching practices, expand AI and computer science education, and support professional development for educators.

Q: How will the Department of Education ensure the responsible use of AI in education?

A: The Department emphasizes the importance of engaging stakeholders, particularly parents, in decisions about the adoption and deployment of new technologies. It also outlines principles for responsible AI use, including attention to user privacy and ethical considerations.

Q: What is the significance of the Executive Order signed by President Trump on April 23?

A: The Executive Order, titled 'Advancing Artificial Intelligence Education for American Youth,' aims to enhance AI education and prepare American youth for the future job market by integrating AI into educational practices.

Q: How can the public provide feedback on the proposed priority and definitions?

A: Interested parties can submit feedback via the Federal eRulemaking Portal at Regulations.gov by August 20, 2025. This feedback will be used to refine and finalize the proposed priority and definitions. 

More Related Topics :