IBM Study Finds AI Adoption Outpaces K-12 Readiness in US Schools

A new study by IBM has found that AI adoption in K-12 schools is outpacing their readiness to manage it. The survey, conducted among over 2,000 educators and parents, reveals that while 76% of middle school and 73% of high school classroom educators report using AI at least weekly, only 20% say they have received extensive AI training.

The study also found that educator preparation is not keeping pace with the increasing use of AI in classrooms. Lack of training or professional development was cited as the top barrier to supporting AI literacy, at 42%, followed by limited AI curriculum and instructional materials, at 34%.

To help address this gap, IBM has launched the IBM K-12 AI leaders fellowship, a professional learning initiative designed for K-12 superintendents, education leaders, and educators. The fellowship will provide school leaders with practical knowledge and tools to guide responsible AI adoption, support educators, and strengthen engagement with parents.