California launches statewide AI education workgroup for K-12 guidance for use by mid-2026

The California Department of Education has launched its first statewide Artificial Intelligence in Education Workgroup to develop guidance for safely integrating AI into K-12 public schools. This legislative initiative, stemming from Senate Bill 1288 passed in 2024, positions California among the first states to take a comprehensive, mandated approach to AI in education policy.

What you should know: The workgroup is tasked with creating both guidance and model policies for AI use across California’s school districts by mid-2026.

• At least half of the workgroup members are current classroom teachers, ensuring educator perspectives drive policy development.
• The group includes students, administrators, classified staff, higher education representatives, and industry experts.
• Their first meeting took place August 29 at the California Department of Education headquarters in Sacramento.

The big picture: State Superintendent Tony Thurmond is leading this effort to ensure AI enhances rather than replaces educators in classroom settings.

• “There is an urgent need for clear direction on AI use in schools to ensure technology enhances — rather than replaces — the vital role of educators,” Thurmond said in a recent news release.
• The initiative reflects growing recognition that AI integration in education requires careful planning and educator input.

Key requirements under Senate Bill 1288: The workgroup must complete several specific deliverables over the next few years.

• Assess current and future AI use in education, including technology costs, ownership structures, and examples of human-centered AI.
• Conduct at least six public meetings to gather feedback from school communities and stakeholders.
• Develop guidance on safe AI use covering academic integrity, plagiarism prevention, and privacy-compliant software.
• Create model policies for local educational agencies and charter schools, including equity considerations.

Timeline and next steps: The workgroup operates under strict legislative deadlines with multiple reporting requirements.

• First set of recommendations due by January 1, 2026.
• Comprehensive model policy required by July 1, 2026.
• Final report to the Legislature due in early 2027.
• The statute will dissolve in 2031.

What they’re saying: Thurmond emphasized the importance of inclusive policy development in his public statements.

• “We want to ensure that those who will be affected by this guidance and policy have a voice in creating it,” Thurmond said.