Despite schools increasingly looking to adopt technology, there’s a growing concern among parents regarding artificial intelligence (AI) in education.
A recent PDK poll indicates that parents are uneasy about AI tools, particularly when it comes to how these programs handle personal details like their children’s grades. Overall, there’s a noticeable decline in support for AI-generated lesson plans.
This shift marks a stark contrast from last year when there was a push from the Trump administration and tech industry to integrate AI in education systems.
“I think parents are at varying levels of understanding about AI, how it impacts education, and how it’s showing up in their children’s experiences. We’re definitely in a different place than we were last fall,” stated one education expert.
“This year might be pivotal for assessing AI’s role,” the expert added.
The PDK poll revealed that nearly 70% of parents are against including personal data in AI software, though there’s still a degree of support for teachers using AI in lesson planning.
In 2024, 64% of parents approved of AI being used for standardized test practice, while 65% supported personalized tutoring. However, by 2025, those numbers had dropped to 54% and 60% respectively.
“Parents are starting to see tangible outcomes from how teachers use AI. If AI-generated content does not align with their child’s needs, it naturally raises skepticism,” remarked D’Andre Weaver, who has a background as a principal and is now affiliated with Digital Promise.
If assignments created by AI were brought home last year, and they were easily finished by the AI, parents might be more doubtful, according to Weaver.
“What many experienced was just the very early version of this technology. Educators refine these tools yearly,” he noted.
As for schools, many that initially prohibited AI tools like ChatGPT are now initiating training programs for teachers to embrace the technology.
In April, President Trump initiated an executive order to encourage the role of AI in youth education, and First Lady Melania Trump introduced the Presidential AI Challenge aimed at students.
“This challenge represents a foundational step in preparing the younger generation for understanding this emerging technology,” she asserted in a video.
Education Secretary Linda McMahon has also issued guidance to K-12 schools regarding grants that could facilitate the integration of AI into various aspects of education, such as curriculum development and teacher training.
Experts emphasize the need for schools to collaborate with parents in implementing AI, to foster comfort with technology among students.
“It’s frustrating for parents when they only hear about initiatives without meaningful dialogue,” noted Elizabeth Laird from the Center for Democracy Technology.
“Greater transparency in how AI is used is crucial. Schools should take stock of how these tools are being utilized and share this information with parents,” she added. This would ease accessibility for interested parties, including parents.
Schools face various challenges related to AI, ranging from privacy issues to the potential for AI misuse, including the implications on mental health diagnostics.
“We focus on fostering environments where parents, students, and teachers can engage in these changes. Understanding AI and addressing families’ concerns are vital to support children as they prepare for an AI-driven future,” explained Alex Kotran, co-founder of the AI Education Project.
