Invest in educator professional learning on experiential AI pedagogies using existing federal funding streams¶

Strategy · All strategies
Evidence · no claims cited

Description¶

The brief recommends that federal policymakers invest in educator AI literacy training by leveraging existing funding, stating policymakers "should utilize Title II, Part A grants to fund educator training" alongside Teacher Quality Partnership and SEED grant programs. It also recommends expanding NSF investments in PK-12 age-appropriate AI literacy research and AI-focused career and skill-building opportunities for high school students, strengthening the AI workforce pipeline.

Design Implications¶

Context¶

Requirements¶

• Professional development should offer differentiated pathways based on teachers' existing experience levels and subject-area contexts

Constraints¶

• The brief notes research on AI literacy implementation and effectiveness remains in early stages, with limited data on the status and efficacy of AI curricular integrations

Target Learners¶

• PK-12 educators and high school students

Target Learning Goals¶

• Educator capacity to teach about and with AI; learner AI literacy through hands-on, innovative learning experiences

Related Strategies¶

• Implement sustained educator development programs including needs assessment, coaching, communities of practice, and experiential learning
• Invest in sustained, role-specific, discipline-specific professional learning and structured student AI literacy pathways across PK16
• Invest in dedicated instructional technology leadership roles and role-specific professional learning for AI literacy
• Support digitally fluent career pathways through ecosystems, educator training, work-based learning, convenings, and showcases
• Using Title II professional development funds to strengthen teacher preparation, recruitment, induction, and support in high-need schools
• Federal policy should invest in high-quality professional learning for educators, prioritizing preparation and professional development designs including teachers teaching teachers
• Provide teachers with adequate training and support for AI use, embedded in leadership-led professional development
• Pair literacy accountability indicators with funded professional development and aligned mandates

Examples¶

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Key Sources¶

• Digital Promise. (2025). AI Literacy in PK-12 Education. https://digitalpromise.dspacedirect.org/items/19fd2afb-0811-4e48-90d9-0ad6c9887a1a