Commissioner of Education Angélica Infante-Green | Rhode Island Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
Governor Dan McKee, Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green, and the Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) have released new guidance to help local education agencies across the state develop responsible and effective approaches for using Artificial Intelligence (AI) in classrooms.
“Rhode Island continues to take substantial steps in reimagining and enhancing education statewide,” said Governor Dan McKee. “By giving our students, families, educators, and school leaders the tools they need to use AI safely and creatively, we’re preparing our students for success in a world that’s being reshaped by emerging technologies. I commend Commissioner Infante-Green and the RIDE team for their leadership on this important initiative.”
“Artificial intelligence is not the future for our schools – it’s the present, and our goal is to ensure it enhances teaching and learning to unlock our students’ full potential,” said Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green. “With the right support and guardrails, AI can be a powerful tool for educators, provide critical support for families, and a bridge to more engaging learning opportunities for students. This guidance is a first step in helping our schools embrace this emerging technology responsibly and effectively.”
The new guidance aims to inform ongoing discussions about using AI in Rhode Island schools rather than setting formal policy or regulations. RIDE also published a video featuring input from students, educators, and school leaders on AI’s potential impact.
The guidance aligns with RIDE’s strategic priorities such as educational equity, personalized learning, and preparing students for future jobs. It emphasizes how careful use of AI can assist teachers with instruction delivery while improving access to education for underserved student groups.
“As school leaders, it is our responsibility to prepare our students to succeed not just in today’s classroom, but well in the future,” said Narragansett Superintendent and IT CTE Cluster Advisory Board Member Peter Cummings. “RIDE’s AI guidance empowers districts to take thoughtful, informed steps toward using artificial intelligence in ways that uplift teaching, personalize learning, and ensure equity in education.”
“RIDE’s new AI guidance gives educators the context, clarity, and support to harness emerging tools to enhance learning and promote greater academic achievement,” said Principal and RIASP President Cheri Saco. “AI-powered learning will help students understanding, expand personalize learning paths, and strengthen students and teachers’ core skills. In Rhode Island, school leaders are ready to innovate to ensure real gains in student success.”
According to a survey cited by RIDE’s guidance document, 20% of Rhode Island students already use AI tools such as ChatGPT or Grammarly regularly at school while only 6% of educators do so frequently. About one-third of surveyed students have never used AI tools at all; another third are unsure how these technologies might benefit their learning experience.
While many students reported that AI supports research tasks or helps personalize their studies—36% believe it improves their education—educators voiced significant concerns about ethical use: 78% expressed worries about responsible implementation while less than half saw strong educational value from current applications. The feedback highlights needs around professional development opportunities as well as clear policies governing equitable access.
To address these issues moving forward during the next academic year,RIDE plans further engagement including offering implementation support resources,district-level professional development,and forming an advisory group focused on adapting strategies as technology evolves.RIDE acknowledges rapid changes within artificial intelligence,and says updates will continue as needed.
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