Illinois education officials release guidance on use of AI in public schools

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Illinois education officials have released guidance on the use of artificial intelligence in public schools, providing educators with information and examples as districts consider whether and how to incorporate the technology into classrooms.

The guidance was developed by a panel tasked by the Illinois Legislature and is intended for the state's public schools. According to Illinois State Board of Education State Superintendent Dr. Tony Sanders, decisions about whether to use AI will be made individually by each of Illinois' 851 school districts.

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"If you are going to use AI, let's do it in a way that actually benefits students and teachers," Sanders said.

The guidance document spans about 400 pages and offers educators information about AI as well as examples of how the technology can be used.

"I think there are lessons which you can incorporate artificial intelligence," Sanders said. "I think teachers are already showing examples of how they are using AI within their lesson planning but it does require that we guide students just as we would any other technology."

The release of the guidance comes as Illinois and educational institutions continue to address the role of AI. Last week, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker signed the Artificial Intelligence Safety Measures Act, which increases transparency and accountability requirements for the largest artificial intelligence models.

Meanwhile, the University of Chicago announced that its first-year law students will not be allowed to use the technology in classrooms, citing a desire to maintain a rigorous legal education in the era of AI.

For Illinois public schools, Sanders said AI should be viewed as a tool rather than a replacement for educators.

"If you are going to use ai you should do so recognizing it should not replace humans it is a tool for use in classroom," Sanders said, "but will never be a replacement for the classroom."

State superintendents are scheduled to participate in a webinar on AI next month. Once the school year begins, school districts will also be asked to recommend individuals for ongoing committees that will update and revise the state's AI guidance.