New US Education Department guidance encourages schools to use AI in classrooms

In a move that could reshape how American students experience learning support, the US Department of Education has released new guidance encouraging schools to use artificial intelligence (AI) to improve student outcomes. The guidance outlines how federal grant money may now be directed towards AI-powered tutoring, college and career advising, and personalised instructional materials, provided it is implemented ethically and with a human-led approach.

What the new guidance means for studentsThe guidance does not mandate AI use, but it formally permits schools and grantees to invest in AI technologies that can support teachers, tutors, and academic advisors. For students, this means a potential shift towards more customised learning environments, where digital tools can adapt in real time to academic needs.

High-impact tutoring platforms using AI could help students who need additional academic support, while virtual advising systems may simplify course selection, financial aid planning, and transitions to higher education or the workforce.

In short, the Department is asking schools to use AI to assist, not replace, the educators already in the classroom. The focus remains on improving equity, access, and learning outcomes.

Three key ways schools can now use AIAccording to the guidance, schools can use federal funds to:

Enhance instruction: This includes developing or purchasing AI-powered tools that personalise content based on student performance and offer real-time feedback.

Expand tutoring access: AI-based tutoring platforms may work alongside human tutors, offering round-the-clock academic support and matching students with services based on their individual learning gaps.

Support career navigation: AI platforms can help students explore career paths, identify academic requirements, and access virtual advising tools that simplify postsecondary planning.

The Department’s five guiding principlesThe Education Department emphasised that any use of AI in education must follow five key principles:

• It must be educator-led and support, not substitute, human professionals.
• It should be ethical, particularly when guiding K-12 students in understanding how to use AI responsibly.
• It must be accessible, especially for students and families requiring digital accommodations
• It should be transparent and explainable, with systems that parents and educators can understand
• It must comply with all data privacy laws, including the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
  
  

Why this matters nowThe guidance arrives at a time when schools across the US are exploring new ways to personalise learning and close academic gaps post pandemic. By officially allowing the use of AI through federal grant programs, the Department is signaling both opportunity and caution. Schools are encouraged to partner with researchers and communities to implement AI in ways that serve students effectively and ethically.

For students, especially those navigating academic challenges or thinking about their futures after school, AI may soon become a more familiar presence, working quietly in the background to offer timely support and clearer direction.

The official guidance was issued by the US Department of Education on July 22, 2025.

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