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The Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) is considering whether to ban artificial intelligence in classrooms, just months after limiting screen time for students.
Currently, students aged 13 and older can use district-approved AI tools with teacher discretion, but they must first complete a lesson on responsible AI use.
As the 2026-27 school year begins, many school districts across the United States are grappling with how to integrate AI into education. According to Tech Policy Press, districts are adopting a cautious approach, establishing guidelines but often leaving specific decisions to individual teachers. In a 2025 survey, 60% of educators reported unclear district policies on AI, and only 18% received formal guidance.
Chicago Public Schools released a guidebook on AI in 2024, emphasizing transparency and AI literacy. The district encourages students to use AI tools as "co-pilots" and maintains a list of approved technologies. Houston Independent School District has partnered with OpenAI to provide an education-focused version of ChatGPT, highlighting the importance of AI literacy.
LAUSD released AI guidelines in April 2024, requiring tools to be screened for data privacy and parental consent for specific apps. However, the district's AI policies have evolved, and a new committee will review the rules. The district's recent screen time restrictions, though not directly related to AI, will impact its use.
Nationwide, there is growing pushback against AI in schools. The organization FairPlay has called for a five-year moratorium on AI, citing risks to learning and mental health. The Brookings Institute also released a report highlighting the risks of using AI in children's education.