Rhode Island Department of Education Releases Guidance for Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence in Schools
Published on Friday, August 15, 2025
Guidance is a first step in helping our schools embrace emerging technology responsibly and effectively
PROVIDENCE, RI – Governor Dan McKee, Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green, and the Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) today released guidance to support local education agencies (LEAs) across the state in navigating and implementing policies and practices for the responsible, effective, and equitable use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in classrooms.
“Rhode Island continues to take substantial steps in reimagining and enhancing education statewide,” said Governor Dan McKee. “By giving our students, families, educators, and school leaders the tools they need to use AI safely and creatively, we’re preparing our students for success in a world that’s being reshaped by emerging technologies. I commend Commissioner Infante-Green and the RIDE team for their leadership on this important initiative.”
“Artificial intelligence is not the future for our schools – it’s the present, and our goal is to ensure it enhances teaching and learning to unlock our students’ full potential,” said Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green. “With the right support and guardrails, AI can be a powerful tool for educators, provide critical support for families, and a bridge to more engaging learning opportunities for students. This guidance is a first step in helping our schools embrace this emerging technology responsibly and effectively.”
The goal of RIDE’s AI Guidance is to provide information and current perspectives and practices regarding using Artificial Intelligence in Rhode Island schools. The guidance isn’t formal policy or regulations, it provides a structure and context for ongoing conversations on the use of AI. RIDE also released a video in which students, educators, and school leaders discussed the potential of AI and the newly released guidance.
The release of the guidance marks a significant step in aligning innovation with RIDE’s ongoing strategic priorities, including educational equity, personalization of learning, and preparing students for the future workforce. The guidance highlights how AI, when used thoughtfully and responsibly, can support teachers, enhance instructional delivery, and promote greater educational access and equity for historically underserved student populations.
“As school leaders, it is our responsibility to prepare our students to succeed not just in today’s classroom, but well in the future,” said Narragansett Superintendent and IT CTE Cluster Advisory Board Member Peter Cummings. “RIDE’s AI guidance empowers districts to take thoughtful, informed steps toward using artificial intelligence in ways that uplift teaching, personalize learning, and ensure equity in education.”
“RIDE’s new AI guidance gives educators the context, clarity, and support to harness emerging tools to enhance learning and promote greater academic achievement,” said Principal and RIASP President Cheri Saco. “AI-powered learning will help students understanding, expand personalize learning paths, and strengthen students and teachers’ core skills. In Rhode Island, school leaders are ready to innovate to ensure real gains in student success.”
RIDE’s guidance acknowledges that students are driving early adoption of AI in classroom with a survey indicating that 20% of Rhode Island students are already using AI tools like ChatGPT and Grammarly. In comparison, just 6% of educators reported using AI regularly. 36% of students said AI improves their learning, but access and understanding are uneven: one-third of students don’t use AI at all, and another third are unsure how it can help them learn. Stakeholder engagement revealed both potential and concern.
The survey also indicated that while students highlighted the ability of AI to support research, writing, and personalized learning, 78% of educators and administrators expressed strong concerns about ethical use. Only 44% felt AI offers compelling educational opportunities at this stage. This feedback underscored the need for professional learning, clear policies, and equitable access to tools.
To continue engagement for the successful adoption of AI in schools, beginning this upcoming school year, RIDE will offer implementation support and professional learning opportunities for districts, and establish an AI Advisory Group to ensure continued feedback and updates as the technology and classroom needs evolve. The agency recognizes that AI technology is moving at a rapid pace and is committed to continued updates and support as necessary.
###