Skip to main content
California Department of Education Logo
California Department of Education
Official Letter
California Department of Education
Official Letter
July 6, 2026

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

Release of Model Policy: Artificial Intelligence in Education

I am pleased to announce the release of Model Policy: Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Education, developed through the collaborative work of the California AI in Education Working Group convened in response to Senate Bill 1288 (Becker, 2024). This model policy is designed to address AI rapidly transforming the transitional kindergarten through grade twelve learning environment. The model policy was posted to the California Department of Education (CDE) website on June 25, 2026. As AI rapidly becomes part of everyday life in schools and society, this resource is designed to help local educational agencies (LEAs) and charter schools shape AI policies that keep students and staff safe while strengthening teaching and learning.

The model policy gives LEAs and charter schools a ready-to-adapt template covering the basic legal, ethical, and logistical considerations recommended for any school AI policy, regardless of size, location, or demographics. It addresses key areas such as academic integrity and disclosure, limits on AI detection software, privacy by design, legal compliance, educator discretion, parent and guardian review rights, and AI literacy as a core academic competency. The information is exemplary, and compliance is not mandatory (see Education Code Section 33308.5); the CDE encourages local-level modifications that reflect the uniqueness of the students, schools, and communities served. This model policy complements the CDE 2025 AI Guidance. Both the model policy and the guidance are available on the CDE Artificial Intelligence web page at https://www.cde.ca.gov/ci/pl/aiincalifornia.asp.

By working together, California’s education community can adopt local AI policies that protect students and staff while ensuring AI is used to enhance learning opportunities and support educators across the state.

Sincerely,

Tony Thurmond
State Superintendent of Public Instruction

Last Reviewed: Monday, July 06, 2026

Recently Posted in Letters

  • Schools as Voting Locations & Student Poll Workers (added 30-Jun-2026)
    Letter to County and District Superintendents, Charter School Administrators, and High School Principals regarding schools as voting locations and student poll workers.
  • Inclusive Practices for All Cultural Observances (added 17-Jun-2026)
    Inclusive practices for all students’ cultural observances, Summer 2026.
  • 2026 Exceptional Education Leader Recommendations (added 12-Jun-2026)
    Letter to County and District Superintendents, Charter School Administrators, and School Principals regarding exceptional education leader recommendations requested for the 2026 Exceptional Education Leaders Recognition Program.
  • 2027 California Schools to Watch Program (added 13-May-2026)
    Letter to County and District Superintendents, Charter School Administrators, and Middle School Principals regarding an invitation to apply for the 2027 California Schools to Watch program.
  • AAPI Heritage Month Kickoff Webinar (added 13-May-2026)
    Letter to county and district superintendents, charter school administrators, and school principals regarding Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month kickoff webinar: Living History at Angel Island Immigration Station.

  • Invitation to SSPI's Literacy Leadership Summit (added 12-May-2026)
    Letter to county and district superintendents and charter school administrators regarding an invitation to State Superintendent Thurmond's Literacy Leadership Summit.