IBM has announced new U.S. research examining AI readiness in K-12 schools and the launch of the IBM K-12 AI leaders fellowship.
As schools begin a new academic year, AI is becoming a routine part of K-12 teaching and learning. Yet the survey, commissioned by IBM and conducted by Morning Consult, finds that the systems supporting responsible AI use are still catching up, pointing to a gap between how quickly AI is entering classrooms and how prepared schools are to manage it.
To help address that need, IBM has announced the IBM K-12 AI leaders fellowship, a new professional learning initiative designed for K-12 superintendents, education leaders and educators. The fellowship will equip school leaders with practical knowledge and tools to guide responsible AI adoption, support educators and strengthen engagement with parents.
The survey, conducted among more than 2,000 K-12 educators and parents, found:
AI is already routine in secondary classrooms. 76% of middle school and 73% of high school classroom educators report AI is used in their classroom at least weekly, compared with 45% of elementary educators. Nearly half of high school educators (45%) report AI is used in the classroom daily or almost daily.
Educator preparation is not keeping pace. Only 20% of K-12 educators say they have received extensive AI training. Lack of training or professional development is also the top barrier educators cite to supporting AI literacy, at 42%, followed by limited AI curriculum and instructional materials, at 34%.
Schools are making progress, but few say they are adapting especially well. Only 24% of K-12 educators and 16% of parents say the U.S. education system is adapting very well to advances in AI.
Parents, meanwhile, want a larger role in how schools use AI. While 77% say they want input on how AI is used in their child’s classroom, only 20% clearly understand the AI guidance their child receives at school. Parents point to clearer guidelines (51%) and greater transparency about classroom AI use (48%) as the steps that would most increase their confidence.
“Many superintendents and school leaders are making decisions today that will shape how an entire generation learns and works with AI,” said Justina Nixon-Saintil, Vice President and Chief Impact Officer, IBM. “AI readiness means helping educators use AI thoughtfully and responsibly so they can help students build the skills and judgment they’ll need for the future of work.”
The fellowship’s inaugural cohort will launch this fall with up to 100 superintendents, education leaders and educators from the greater New York area. Working with partners, IBM will provide participants with AI learning and credentials through its free education program, IBM SkillsBuild. Participants will also have access to a curriculum and capstone projects focused on putting responsible AI into practice, along with access to expert facilitators. During its first year, IBM plans to expand the program to additional U.S. states, reaching hundreds of education leaders through a scalable cohort model.
“There isn’t a single playbook for AI in education, and school leaders shouldn’t have to navigate these decisions alone,” said Nixon-Saintil. “Leaders need practical approaches they can take back to their districts. This fellowship creates a space for them to learn from one another and build the confidence to guide responsible AI adoption.”
