Washington, D.C. – In a move to prepare the next generation for the future of work, President Donald Trump has signed a new executive order aimed at expanding the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in American classrooms.
The initiative seeks to train school children and educators in AI tools and literacy, helping students gain the skills needed to compete in a tech-driven economy.
What the Executive Order Aims to Do
While the final text of the executive order has not been released yet, White House staff secretary Will Scharf explained that the goal is to ensure young Americans are trained in AI so they can succeed in an evolving job market.
“The basic idea is to properly train the future workforce by ensuring school children are adequately trained in AI tools,” said Scharf.
According to a preliminary draft obtained by The Washington Post, the order encourages schools to partner with the private sector to integrate AI into their education systems.
AI in the Classroom: The Key Highlights
As per the draft:
- Education Secretary Linda McMahon will be instructed to prioritize federal funding for training teachers and administrators in AI.
- Schools will be encouraged to use AI across all subjects, not just in computer science or technology classes.
- A special AI education task force will be created to coordinate efforts between federal agencies and private companies.
“AI is where it seems to be at,” President Trump said during the signing ceremony.
Growing Role of AI in Education
Over the past few years, AI tools have made their way into classrooms across the U.S., assisting with everything from lesson planning and grading to interactive learning and student progress tracking.
Some schools have already started working with private companies to train educators on how to use AI responsibly.
Challenges and Concerns
While the technology offers many benefits, experts and educators have raised concerns over:
- Cheating, due to AI-generated homework and assignments
- Bullying, through misuse of AI chatbots or apps
- Ethical issues, including privacy, bias, and over-dependence on technology
These challenges are expected to be part of the discussions within the upcoming AI education task force.
Other AI-Related Executive Actions
Earlier this year, President Trump also signed another executive order that reduced certain regulations in the AI industry and invested in new AI data centers across the country.
This new education-focused order is part of a larger national strategy to boost America’s position in AI development and usage, both in the workplace and in the classroom.