AI Literacy in the Classroom is a Bipartisan Effort
Moving beyond the political divide to prioritize the 21st-century foundational skills our children need to thrive.
AI continues to be a hot-topic as it increasingly shows up in our lives. It’s the invisible technology operating within our phones, laptops, cars, social media feeds, and, now, our children’s classrooms. From AI tutors to writing assistants, AI is infiltrating the education space in real-time. Naturally, it has become a divisive topic, as parents and educators alike grapple with what this means for children’s privacy, safety, and learning.
It’s no surprise that there are conflicting opinions from all sides of the aisle. Luckily, there is one goal nearly everyone can agree on: our children must be prepared for the future.
And the future involves AI.
Caption: A young student actively engaging with AI learning tools to explore new concepts and build understanding.
AI as a Foundational Skill
AI literacy is no longer a "tech" elective for a select few. Rather, it is a foundational 21st-century skillset as essential as reading, writing, and arithmetic. Our students need to know how to use this technology and, more importantly, understand how it works so that they can thrive in the workforce and drive society forward.
Given that AI is set to radically transform the economy, AI literacy in the classroom is imperative for future generations. Currently, many K-12 systems still lack the curriculum and infrastructure needed to introduce AI topics to children safely and effectively. This is where bipartisan leadership and policymakers need to step in.
The Case for Bipartisan Leadership
Given the fast-pace of AI, we cannot afford for AI literacy to get stuck behind a partisan wedge. Instead, this moment requires policymakers, education leaders, parents, and teachers from across the political spectrum to come together and forge a unified path.
We are already beginning to see this common ground in action. Last fall, women from vastly different backgrounds gathered at the National Children’s Museum for an event focused on guiding our kids safely and productively into our technology-driven world. These women, Kiryn Hoffman (CEO of National Children's Museum), Erin Mote (Founder of InnovateEDU), and Lynne Parker (former Deputy U.S. Chief Technology Officer), opened up an essential discussion on AI literacy in the classroom.
Despite their differing perspectives, they were unanimous in their call for AI literacy. In a subsequent article for The 74 Million, they stated:
“Regardless of where you stand on this issue, a common ground must be forged now. Constructive dialogue must happen, and it needs voices from both sides to produce a healthy outcome for our children.”
This imperative is further demonstrated by Governor Jared Polis (D-Colorado) and Governor Mike DeWine (R-Ohio). In a show of bipartisan leadership and collaboration, both governors recognize AI literacy as a critical driver for state-wide economic and educational success. In fact, both governors held events on National AI Literacy Day in their respective states last year.
Through the National Governors Association (NGA), Polis and DeWine have both pursued a shared mission around tech-forward goals. With Gov. DeWine’s support, Ohio created an AI Toolkit in partnership with aiEDU. Meanwhile, Colorado’s ‘Let’s Get Ready’ initiative, led by Gov. Polis continues to further advance AI education. While on different sides of the fence, they continue to advance AI education. While on different sides of the political fence, they serve as a bipartisan roadmap for other states to follow.
National AI Literacy Day: Continuing The Conversation
Ultimately, AI advancement doesn't care about red or blue divides. Tomorrow’s jobs will require AI literacy in every corner of the country, and in every occupation. National AI Literacy Day aims to be the definitive moment for these continued discussions and collaborative efforts.
On March 27, local organizations across the country will host community events, sharing nonpartisan learning sessions and educational resources designed to demystify AI technology and empower learners.
This movement requires all hands on deck–policymakers, community leaders, educators, and students. By bringing every perspective to the table, we can safely introduce AI literacy into the classroom and prepare our children for the world they will inherit.
We invite you to join the conversation so that every child receives the education they deserve. Become a supporting organization today: https://tinyurl.com/3fpdhur9
