President Trump signed an executive order promoting artificial intelligence (AI) in K-12 education, aiming to prepare the U.S. workforce for technological advancements. The White House cited the need to maintain global leadership in the “technological revolution.”
Adeel Khan, CEO of Magic School AI, a leading generative AI platform for education, supports the initiative, arguing that a nation prioritizing AI must prepare its youth. While acknowledging AI’s potential benefits, Khan cautioned against its misuse, emphasizing the importance of critical thinking and student agency. His company offers AI tools to enhance writing, providing feedback to improve student work instead of replacing the student’s thought process.
In contrast, Sherry East, president of the South Carolina Education Association, expressed frustration with the executive order. East argued that teachers are already familiar with AI tools and that the order is unnecessary. She pointed out that the order’s call for training aligns with existing Department of Education programs, like Title II funds for professional development. East questioned the need for a new executive order when existing mechanisms are already in place.
The American Psychological Association noted that AI has been integrated into classrooms for years, supporting learning platforms like Google Classroom and Turnitin. This suggests that AI is already part of the educational landscape and that the executive order might be redundant.
