Dear County and District Superintendents, Charter School Administrators, Principals, and Education Partners:

Announcement of the California Artificial Intelligence in Education Workgroup

I am pleased to announce the first convening of California’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Education Workgroup, which will occur August 29, 2025, in response to Senate Bill 1288 (Becker). This workgroup will help shape safe, effective, and equitable use of AI in our schools and ensure that innovation serves the needs of all students and educators.

The workgroup represents a wide range of perspectives, including educators, administrators, classified staff, higher education faculty, industry experts, and students. Together, workgroup members will expand statewide guidance and create a model policy addressing data privacy, academic integrity, educator support, and strategies to harness AI’s potential while safeguarding equity and the human-centered nature of learning.

Please see the California Department of Education’s AI in Education Workgroup web page at https://www.cde.ca.gov/ci/pl/aiineducationworkgroup.asp for additional information about the workgroup, including member names, meeting agendas, and links to attend open sessions.

Statewide AI in Education Survey

Your input is critical in shaping the workgroup’s recommendations. Please take a few minutes to complete the Statewide AI in Education Survey at https://bit.ly/CAAIK12 to share how AI is being used in your schools and any policies currently in place. Your feedback will ensure our work is informed by the realities and needs of local educational agencies.

By working together, we can create thoughtful, inclusive policies that ensure AI is used to enhance—not replace—the essential work of educators and to close—not widen—opportunity gaps.

Thank you for your leadership and commitment to California’s students.

Sincerely,

Tony Thurmond