AI in Washington Schools: Revolutionizing Education with $10M Investment

AI in Washington Schools: A $10 Million Investment for the Future

Washington's Superintendent of Public Instruction, Chris Reykdal, has set his sights on a transformative initiative to bring artificial intelligence (AI) tools and training into the state's classrooms. In his recent appearance on TVW’s 'Inside Olympia,' Reykdal announced a $10 million request in the upcoming supplemental budget for a statewide pilot program. This ambitious plan aims to purchase AI tutoring tools, initially focusing on math, and fund comprehensive teacher training.

Addressing Persistent Inequities

The funding push is particularly timely as new Smarter Balanced Assessment results continue to highlight persistent inequities in Washington's education system. While test scores have shown gradual improvement and student progress rates are mirroring pre-pandemic trends, higher-poverty communities are not improving as quickly as their more affluent counterparts. Reykdal noted that about 57% of eighth graders met foundational math progress benchmarks, but this still leaves four in ten students short of university-ready standards by 10th grade.

Key statistics:

• 57% of eighth graders met foundational math benchmarks.
• Four in ten students fall short of university-ready standards by 10th grade.

AI as a Tool for Customized Learning

Reykdal is a strong advocate for the integration of AI in education. He believes that AI has moved beyond the margins and is now a central part of daily teaching and learning. 'AI is in the middle of everything, because students are making it in a big way. Teachers are doing it. We’re doing it in our everyday lives,' he said. The goal is to use AI as a tool to expand customized learning and better prepare students for the labor market.

Responsible and Ethical Use

To ensure that AI is used responsibly, the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) has issued human-centered AI guidance and directed districts to update their technology policies. These policies clarify how AI can be used and what constitutes academic dishonesty. Reykdal warned against long-term contracts with unproven vendors, emphasizing the importance of choosing platforms with robust privacy practices.

Legislative Action Needed

Reykdal urged lawmakers to protect education from budget cuts, make structural changes to the tax code, and act boldly. 'If you’re not willing to make those changes, don’t take it out on kids,' he said. He pressed legislators to think more like executives, anticipating global competition rather than waiting for perfect solutions. 'If you wait until it’s perfect, it will be a decade from now, and the inequalities will be massive,' he warned.

The Bottom Line

With test scores climbing slowly and AI transforming classrooms, the Legislature's next steps will be crucial in shaping whether Washington narrows achievement gaps or lets them widen. Reykdal's $10 million request is a bold step toward ensuring that every student, regardless of their background, has the tools and support they need to succeed in the future.