The OECD and European Commission released a draft AI Literacy Framework for primary and secondary education in May 2025, with the final version launching in 2026. The framework outlines knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed for AI-readiness across student populations. Additionally, the PISA 2029 assessment will include Media and Artificial Intelligence Literacy (MAIL) to measure whether young students have had opportunities to engage proactively and critically with AI systems. This international effort reflects recognition that few education systems currently prepare students for deep engagement with AI.
Published by: OECD (international policy organisation) and European Commission (EU executive body)
Key finding: Few education systems adequately prepare students to engage deeply with AI and use it safely; the framework and PISA 2029 assessment aim to establish baseline capabilities and drive systemic change by 2029.
Context: The internationalisation of this effort through the OECD and EU indicates that AI literacy gaps are recognised as systemic, not merely individual skill deficiencies. The introduction of a standardised assessment through PISA signals that AI literacy will become a measurable competency alongside reading, mathematics, and science, implicitly acknowledging that without formal policy and curriculum change, entire cohorts of students will graduate without critical AI understanding.