Trump administration considers executive order to integrate AI into K-12 education

The Trump administration is contemplating an executive order aimed at incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) into K-12 education, according to a draft obtained by The Washington Post on April 21. 

The draft outlines a plan for federal agencies to train students in AI and integrate it into educational processes, from teaching to administrative tasks. The proposed executive order, which is still in the early stages and marked as "predecisional," could change or be abandoned before it is finalised.

The draft highlights AI's growing influence, stating that it is "driving innovation across industries, enhancing productivity, and reshaping the way we live and work." To ensure the United States remains a global leader in this technological revolution, the order emphasises the need to provide young Americans with opportunities to develop the skills necessary to engage with and create the next generation of AI technology.

If signed, the order would further solidify the Trump administration’s push for increased AI adoption, which has already seen steps such as the rescinding of regulations set by the Biden administration and a commitment to a $500 billion investment in private-sector AI data centres.

Titled "Advancing Artificial Intelligence Education for American Youth," the draft order proposes the establishment of a White House task force on AI education, which would be led by Michael Kratsios, director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy. The task force would include key officials such as the secretaries of education, agriculture, labour, and energy, alongside the special adviser to the president on AI and cryptocurrency, David Sacks.

One of the central components of the draft is the instruction for federal agencies to forge public-private partnerships with industry, academia, and nonprofit groups to teach students “foundational AI literacy and critical thinking skills.” The task force is also tasked with identifying federal funding sources, such as grants, to support AI education and to prioritise spending in this area.

The draft calls for Education Secretary Linda McMahon to focus federal grant funds on training teachers in AI, not just for classroom teaching but also for administrative tasks, teacher evaluations, and professional development to help educators integrate AI across various subject areas.

A key feature of the proposal is the creation of a "Presidential AI Challenge," a competition for students and educators to showcase their AI skills. Additionally, Labour Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer would be tasked with developing registered apprenticeships for AI-related careers, emphasising the importance of developing a workforce skilled in this rapidly evolving field.

Though the draft order is primarily focused on K-12 education, it also emphasises the importance of providing resources for lifelong learning, enabling adults to acquire new skills to adapt to a changing workforce.

By Tamilla Hasanova