Ohio emerges as early adopter in AI education policies

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COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — Ohio is reportedly the first state to require artificial intelligence policies in public schools. 

With the passage of House Bill 96 this summer, the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce must develop a model policy on AI use for students and staff by Dec. 31. Ohio schools will have until July 1, 2026, to adopt policies. 

Some central Ohio districts already have policies addressing AI. Bexley City Schools considers unauthorized AI use akin to plagiarism. Olentangy schools allow students to use AI in specific circumstances with staff permission. 

In June, Columbus City Schools’ policy and governance committee discussed developing an AI policy. The board has not approved one, but the policy committee will have another meeting Sept. 9, where the topic could reemerge. 

Canal Winchester Local Schools and Dublin City Schools both have a policy acknowledging the positives of AI in education and grants the superintendent the right to support AI use where appropriate to learning. Students are not allowed to use AI to complete assignments, but they can use it for research and writing assistance, data analysis and comprehension with teacher permission. 

Higher education in Ohio is also a national leader in AI and education. Starting this fall, Ohio State University is requiring all students to use AI in their classes. OSU promises that by 2029, all graduates will leave the university “AI fluent,” meaning they are trained to use AI in their respective fields.

The state has already embraced AI possibilities in education. In May 2024, current Sen. and then-Lt. Gov. Jon Husted led Ohio’s AI in Education Coalition to develop a strategy for integrating AI into the state’s K-12 education system. 

The coalition invited industry and education stakeholders to participate in one of three work groups: industry, operations and instructional. Together, these groups developed several recommendations for Ohio’s education system to be best prepared for AI. The coalition said schools should begin incorporating AI thoughtfully and develop policies quickly. The coalition also encouraged the state to provide support and incentives for AI integration. 

There is also a federal push toward AI in schools. In April, President Donald Trump signed an executive order establishing an AI education task force to help schools adjust to new technology. Last week, Melania Trump invited K-12 students to participate in a nationwide contest to use AI tools to solve community issues.

The White House has also encouraged businesses to pledge to invest in AI education, including offering funding, dispersing resources and developing training. As of early August, 110 companies had signed the pledge, including Apple, Amazon, Intel and COSI.