MSDE developing guidance on how schools teach AI

June 2, 2026 - 02:25

Maryland's Artificial Intelligence Ready School Act officially took effect on Monday, signaling a new chapter for how the state's public schools handle emerging technology. The law directs the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) to develop formal guidance on the use of artificial intelligence in classrooms, covering everything from lesson planning to student assignments.

The move comes as school districts across the country scramble to set their own policies on AI tools like ChatGPT, often with little coordination. Maryland's approach aims to create a consistent framework for all schools, rather than leaving each county to figure it out on its own. The guidance is expected to address how teachers can use AI to support instruction, how students can use it ethically, and how to protect student data privacy.

Supporters of the law argue that clear rules are necessary to prevent cheating and to ensure students learn how to use AI responsibly, a skill they will likely need in the workforce. Critics, however, worry that overly strict rules could limit innovation or that the guidance might be outdated by the time it is published. The MSDE has not yet released a timeline for when the final guidance will be ready, but the law's effective date starts the clock on the development process.