Lawmakers in Illinois want to use two new bills to address AI in schools.
The two new bills from congressional democrats aim to create a taskforce to address AI use in schools.
The taskforce would work with the State Board of Education to oversee and evaluate technology used in classrooms. The groups would also sift through feedback from schools on which AI tools educators are already using and whether they are sound.
Read on for more information on the new state bills being proposed on AI use in Illinois schools.
What should parents know about the proposed bills?
The two new bills, one proposed by the Senate and another by the House, do not outright limit AI use in teaching.
Instead, the bills ask educators to share the types of AI–and the context in which they are used–in the classroom.
The taskforce will evaluate AI tools and share best practices on ways they can be used to enhance learning. In addition, the group will make new standards for safety, transparency and data privacy when it comes to AI use.
The bills also contain language meant to stop cyber bullying in the form of spreading false images created by AI.
Where can parents learn more about safe AI use in schools?
Many Illinois school districts like Chicago Public Schools (CPS) provide extensive AI information for students on acceptable tools and usage. Parents of CPS students can visit a homepage dedicated to navigating AI use in the classroom and see a list of approved AI tools.
For parents of students in other districts in the state, checking the district website for an AI guidebook is a great place to start. Districts like Township High School District 211 and Indian Prairie School District 204 both provide guidance on how to help students navigate a constantly evolving AI landscape.
The Institute of Digital Media and Child Development also shares guidelines for parents on actions to take to make sure AI is used appropriately. The organization recommends co-use, building AI literacy skills and recognizing the limits of AI as some ways for children to safely use AI tools.
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