Law requires statewide guidance for AI technology in elementary, secondary education

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — A new Illinois law will help guide the use of artificial intelligence in schools.

The legislation requires the Illinois State Board of Education to develop statewide guidance for districts and teachers on the use of AI in elementary and secondary education.

"It specifies what information should be included in the guidance and establishes July 1, 2026, as a deadline for the State Board of Education to publish the guidance," said Sen. Doris Turner (D-Springfield).

This guidance will include explanations of basic AI concepts and specific ways the technology can be used at the district, school and classroom levels. It also calls for guidance on how districts and teachers can evaluate and address bias, privacy, transparency and risk assessment for the use of AI.

"What we're hearing repeatedly from teachers is that AI is constantly a source of topic and concern among their students and in their classrooms," said Rep. Laura Faver Dias (D-Grayslake). "So, we need the state to step in."

Sponsors explained that the measure also requires information on the impact of artificial intelligence on student data privacy, including federal and state laws associated with privacy.

"The rapidly expanding presence of artificial intelligence in schools means that teachers have to make decisions about AI in their classrooms every day, whether they're AI experts or not," said Teach Plus Illinois Policy Director Bill Curtin. "Teachers need guidelines now, and our teacher leaders were able to call attention to this issue and develop legislation that both addresses the possibilities AI offers for innovative teaching and learning, as well as the need to ensure this learning benefits all students."

The law also requires ISBE to encourage school districts to collect teaching resources to support American Sign Language programs by July 2026.

Resources may include information on the importance and benefits of ASL instruction for early ages and its prevalence in the United States, ways to implement ASL instruction into the K-8 curriculum and how to properly administer ASL instruction for students K-8.

Senate Bill 1920 passed out of the House on a 74-34 vote and received unanimous support in the Senate this spring.