Ohio becomes first state to require AI policy in public schools

Ohio has become the first state to require all its public schools to have guidelines for the use of artificial intelligence (AI).

In an Aug. 20 press release, the Ohio Department of Education & Workforce announced it would develop a model policy regarding AI in K-12 schools by the end of the year. All school districts will then be required by state law to adopt the model or create their own policy by July 1, 2026.

The goal of such a policy is to “address appropriate use of artificial intelligence by students and staff for educational purposes.”

While other states have published guidance on AI in schools, Ohio is the first to require schools to have a policy.

State Sen. Andrew Brenner, chair of the Ohio Senate Education Committee, explained why the Legislature passed the requirement.

“AI is everywhere now and students are very smart, and they will be able to take advantage,” Brenner told local media. “It is important that we have the policies in place to make sure that they’re ethically used by students, as well as making sure the teachers have the tools that they need to be able to recognize AI.”

According to a recent report, only one-third of schools nationwide already have an AI policy.

But while it’s easy to imagine the negative uses of AI – such as cheating on homework – it may have unique benefits too.

For example, the North Ridgeville City School District has employed an AI program called Dysolve to help students with dyslexia identify their learning gaps.

“Dysolve is different from all other online programs because the AI system actually interacts with the student to figure out what is the processing issue,” said Dysolve’s creator, Coral Hoh.

Students with dyslexia have difficulty with language processing, which can lead to further difficulties with homework and even physical problems such as headaches, the program’s website explains. Using AI to diagnose processing issues and create custom lessons can make all the difference.

“When you do that, you see big jumps in test scores because then the skills instruction by the tutor and by the teacher becomes effective,” Hoh said.

Dysolve is 90% cheaper than other special education programs and students are improving in reading and math, the district told local media.