The Indiana Department of Education published an “Indiana’s Priorities and Next Steps for Data Science Education” report in April 2026, summarising feedback from the December 2025 Indiana Data Science Summit and outlining the state’s response to HB 1266 (2026), which directs IDOE to develop a data science math pathway. The report proposes a data science pilot programme for the 2027-2028 school year.
Alongside the report, IDOE’s newsletter highlighted a statewide AI Symposium titled “Leading the Shift,” held on 12 May 2026 in Indianapolis, organised by Keep Indiana Learning (CIESC). The event focused on systemic AI integration in schools — moving beyond basic AI tools — and was aimed at building administrators, technology coordinators, and instructional coaches.
Purdue University Computer Science Outreach is separately offering professional development sessions for educators in 2026, including tracks on artificial intelligence and robotics for middle and high school educators.
Who it affects: K-12 educators and school administrators through voluntary professional development and grant-funded pilot programmes.
What is notably missing: Indiana has not enacted any binding AI literacy curriculum mandate for students. HB 1266 requires IDOE to develop a data science pathway but does not mandate that schools teach AI literacy. The proposed pilot programme is for SY 2027-2028 only. No dedicated funding for statewide AI literacy has been attached to any enacted legislation. Indiana remains in the voluntary guidance phase, with no compulsory requirement for AI or data science instruction.