U.S. Department of Education Issues Guidance on Artificial Intelligence Use in Schools

The U.S. Department of Education recently issued a Dear Colleague Letter (July 22, 2025) stating that schools can use existing federal formula and discretionary grant funds to support AI-related initiatives—such as AI-driven instructional tools, blended tutoring systems, and platforms for college and career planning. The letter confirms that these uses are allowed under current programs, as long as privacy, equity, and human oversight safeguards are upheld.

Simultaneously, the Department proposed a new supplemental discretionary grant priority to advance AI literacy, train educators, and promote workforce readiness for an AI-driven economy. This proposed priority is open for public comment for 30 days before it is finalized.

Taken together, these actions are in response to President Trump’s April 23 Executive Order, Advancing Artificial Intelligence Education for American Youth.

Tom’s Take: The U.S. DOE “Dear Colleague” letter essentially confirms a belief that students may struggle in future workplaces and civic life without foundational AI abilities like source evaluation, ethical usage, and human‑AI collaboration. More broadly, these actions are in reaction to how quickly AI is transforming labor markets and societal communication norms. More than ever, schools need clear frameworks for teaching AI critically and proactively. How exactly the government will financially assist them is an open question.

See related posts from Tom Daccord’s free newsletter:

• New National AI-in-Edu Reports: Time Saved Isn’t Learning Gained

• Gen AI Isn’t the Problem—The Lack of AI Guidance for Students Is

• Insights from 50 AI-in-Edu Experts

See also:

• Is AI Use in Education “Skyrocketing” or Flattening Out?