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Key Points
English/language arts and science teachers were almost twice as likely to say they use AI tools compared to math teachers or elementary teachers of all subjects, according to a February 2025 survey from the RAND Corporation.
Uneven AI Adoption in Schools
A recent survey by the RAND Corporation found that English/language arts and science teachers were more likely to use AI tools than math teachers or elementary teachers of all subjects. The survey, which delves into uneven AI adoption in schools, suggests that researchers should track the use of AI among educators to identify the particular needs it is addressing in schools and guide the development of AI products that better meet those needs.
AI Use Among Teachers and Principals
One-quarter of ELA, math, and science teachers used AI tools for instructional planning or teaching in the 2023-2024 school year. Nearly 60 percent of surveyed principals also reported using AI tools for their work in 2023-2024. Among the one-quarter of teachers who reported using AI tools, 64 percent said that they used them for instructional planning only, 11 percent said that they introduced them to students but did not do instructional planning with them, and 25 percent said that they did both.
Differences in AI Use by Subject and School Characteristics
The report’s authors observed differences in AI use by subject taught and some school characteristics. For instance, close to 40 percent of ELA or science teachers said they use AI, compared to 20 percent of general elementary education or math teachers. Teachers and principals in higher-poverty schools were less likely to report using AI tools relative to those in lower-poverty schools.
Guidance on AI Use
Eighteen percent of principals reported that their schools or districts provided guidance on the use of AI by staff, teachers, or students. Yet, principals in the highest-poverty schools were about half as likely as principals in the lowest-poverty schools to report that guidance was provided (13 percent and 25 percent, respectively).
Factors Influencing AI Use
Principals cited a lack of professional development for using AI tools or products, concerns about data privacy, and uncertainty about how AI can be used for their jobs as factors having a major or minor influence on their AI use.
Recommendations for Education Stakeholders
- All districts and schools should craft intentional strategies to support teachers’ AI use in ways that will most improve the quality of instruction and student learning.
- AI developers and decision-makers should consider what useful AI applications have the greatest potential to improve teaching and learning and how to make those applications available in high-poverty contexts.
- Researchers should work hand-in-hand with AI developers to study use cases and develop a body of evidence on effective AI applications for school leadership, teaching, and learning.
Conclusion
The survey highlights the need for intentional strategies to support teachers’ AI use and for AI developers to consider the needs of high-poverty schools. By working together, educators, policymakers, and AI developers can ensure that AI is used effectively to improve teaching and learning.
FAQs
Q: What is the purpose of the survey?
A: The survey aims to track the use of AI among educators and identify the particular needs it is addressing in schools.
Q: What are the differences in AI use by subject and school characteristics?
A: The report’s authors observed differences in AI use by subject taught and some school characteristics, such as poverty levels.
Q: What are the factors influencing AI use among principals?
A: Principals cited a lack of professional development, concerns about data privacy, and uncertainty about how AI can be used for their jobs as factors having a major or minor influence on their AI use.
Q: What are the recommendations for education stakeholders?
A: The report recommends that all districts and schools craft intentional strategies to support teachers’ AI use, AI developers consider what useful AI applications have the greatest potential to improve teaching and learning, and researchers work with AI developers to study use cases and develop a body of evidence on effective AI applications.
