The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) has implemented a multiyear AI education strategy for K-12 schools, structured in three phases. Phase 1 (2024-25) produced guidance and resources for schools to understand AI and establish usage policies. Phase 2 (2025-26) delivers state-sponsored AI workshops, technical assistance, and tool recommendations for educators. Phase 3 (2026-27) will embed AI across educator preparation programmes and state curricula.
The Healey-Driscoll administration partnered with Project Lead The Way (PLTW) to pilot an AI curriculum in 30 school districts, supporting 45 educators and reaching approximately 1,600 students in its first year. The statewide guidance emphasises equity, transparency, academic integrity, and human oversight. Massachusetts becomes one of the first US states to move from issuing AI guidance to systematically embedding AI literacy into its K-12 education infrastructure.
Who it affects: Public school students and educators across Massachusetts, initially through pilot districts and expanding statewide via Phase 3 curriculum integration. The pilot covers 30 of the state’s approximately 400 school districts.
What is notably missing: The initiative is a state education department strategy, not a legislative mandate. No statutory requirement compels districts to adopt the curriculum. Funding details for statewide scaling beyond the pilot have not been published. The strategy focuses on educator preparation but does not establish minimum AI literacy standards for students.