Florida approves new AI policies for K-12 schools, state colleges - Spectrum Bay News 9

WINTER HAVEN, Fla. — Florida education leaders are putting new guardrails around the use of artificial intelligence in classrooms.

The State Board of Education unanimously approved two new sets of AI rules Wednesday — one covering K-12 schools and another for Florida’s state colleges.

Florida Commissioner of Education Dr. Henry Mack said the state is not trying to ban the technology.

“The policies set the guardrails. They don’t ban the use of artificial intelligence within the classroom at the K-12 level, but also the colleges,” Mack said during Wednesday’s meeting.

Artificial intelligence is already being used in Florida school districts. In Hillsborough County, for example, teachers use the MagicSchool AI platform.

Under the new K-12 policy, school districts across the state will have to develop local policies governing which AI tools can be used and how they can be used.

Parents will also be notified when certain AI instructional tools are approved and will have to give permission before their child directly interacts with them.

State Board of Education member Layla Collins expressed concerns about students becoming too reliant on the technology.

“It should be a supplement. It should not replace learning good practices,” Collins said.

Mack agreed, saying the goal is to complement learning rather than replace it.

“We have to grapple with the deployment of technology in the ways that we have historically done,” Mack said. “We’ve never banned access to computers in the classroom, we’ve never banned access to the internet, and likewise we’ll never ban access to AI. It’s about using it prudently and effectively.”

Carol Gauronskas, vice president of the Florida Education Association, said she is pleased with the policies overall, but has concerns about how they will be put into practice.

“It will really be in the implementation,” Gauronskas said. “Will it just be more work on the district to provide what the State Board of Ed needs, or will it be something that is smoothly implemented? And with that then comes a learning curve for the students.”

School districts will spend the coming months developing their local policies. Mack encouraged parents to get involved in that process and work with their school districts and superintendents as those rules are written.

Florida’s state colleges will also have to establish policies spelling out when and how AI can be used. Students will not be allowed to use AI on graded assignments or assessments unless their instructor gives permission. Colleges will also have to establish rules addressing privacy, academic integrity and responsible AI use.

The goal: keeping AI as a tool for learning — without letting it do the learning for students.