On Feb. 24, the House Education and Workforce Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary and Secondary Education held a hearing entitled, “Building an AI-Ready America: Teaching in the AI Age.” The witnesses included:
- Michele Blatt: State Superintendent of Schools, West Virginia Department of Education
- Aneesh Sohoni: CEO, Teach for America
- David Slykhuis: Dean, Dewar College of Education and Human Services, Valdosta State University (on behalf of the American Association of Colleges of Teachers Education)
- Allyson Knox: Senior Director of Education and Workforce Policy, Microsoft
Lawmakers examined the intersection of AI and K-12 education, emphasizing the need to adapt teaching methods, curricula and professional development so that schools can effectively integrate AI tools and prepare students with relevant skills. Witnesses and lawmakers discussed both opportunities and challenges associated with AI’s growing role in classrooms.
Witnesses called for equipping teachers with training and resources to use AI responsibly, updating educator preparation programs to reflect rapid technological changes, ensuring access to AI tools and opportunities for all students and aligning classroom practices with the skills needed for tomorrow’s workforce.
A recording of the hearing can be found here.
