Artificial Intelligence Regulation in Schools: California Senate Bill 1288
Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing education. Commonly criticized for allowing students to cheat in schools, artificial intelligence can be dangerous to students’ growth and academics. However, this new technology can better create a personalized curriculum for every student’s needs. Due to the rapid dispersion of AI, clear regulations are desperately needed.
On October 15, 2024, Governor Gavin Newsom signed SB 1288 into law. This bill, authored by Senator Josh Becker, takes a much-needed step in addressing the safe and effective use of artificial intelligence in California’s public schools. SB 1288 establishes “an artificial intelligence working group”, according to Senator Al Muratsuchi, to ensure that AI technology in education benefits students and educators without causing harm or infringing on privacy.
By January 1, 2026, the working group is to develop guidance for school districts, county offices of education, and charter schools on the responsible use of AI. This group will work to create policies that balance innovation with student safety, providing a roadmap for the ethical use of AI in education. The bill specifically mandates the working group to develop a model policy by July 1, 2026, outlining best practices for AI use in classrooms, ensuring it enhances learning while avoiding negative impacts on students and teachers.
One of the most important aspects of SB 1288 is the emphasis on safeguarding students. Despite being able to revolutionize learning from its specialized and unique academic planning, AI poses risks such as data privacy issues and algorithmic bias because AI trains off of inputted data. Only by developing clear guidance, SB 1288 ensures that AI technology is used in equitable and secure ways.
Additionally, SB 1288 recognizes the need for ongoing evaluation of AI’s role in schools. The working group is required to submit a report with findings and recommendations to the Legislature by January 1, 2027. This report will provide insights into how AI is impacting education and what adjustments may be needed moving forward. The working group will then dissolve, and the provisions of the bill will remain in place until January 1, 2031, allowing enough time for schools to adopt and refine their use of AI under this new framework.
While the potential of AI in education is exciting, SB 1288 acknowledges the importance of ethical oversight. With SB 1288, California leads the way in ensuring AI’s use in education is both innovative and responsible.
Image credit: NJEA