U.S. Department of Education AI Guidance

The U.S. Department of Education publishes education technology and AI materials through different offices, at different times and for different audiences. A report, a Dear Colleague Letter, a press release and a regulation are not interchangeable. Before quoting federal guidance, identify the document, issuing office, publication date, audience and whether it states recommendations, requirements or background analysis. The Office of Educational Technology’s 2023 report Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Teaching and Learning discusses opportunities and risks. Its themes include human involvement in decisions, data protection, transparency and alignment with learning goals and equity. It describes AI systems as detecting patterns and sometimes automating decisions, which can affect students when data or assumptions are flawed. The report is a policy resource with recommendations, not a substitute for statutes, regulations, state requirements or local policy. The Department’s August 20, 2026 announcement covers education technology broadly and follows its July 2025 AI letter. Its press release describes a Dear Colleague Letter and emphasizes state and local leadership, educator judgment, transparency, evidence and student outcomes. To understand its scope, readers should consult the letter and current official materials rather than relying only on a headline or secondary summary. Newer guidance may add emphasis or change context from earlier resources, so dates and document type should be explicit in any summary. For schools, these sources frame practical questions: Who remains responsible when AI makes a recommendation? Can educators inspect and override it? What data does the system process? Are students with disabilities and different language backgrounds served fairly? Does evidence show educational value for this use? These questions help evaluate tools but do not settle local procurement, legal or privacy issues. Apply current law and institutional policy, verify contract terms and give educators and families clear information. Keep a human decision path for consequential judgments about learning, grades, placement or services.