Howard County Public Schools in Maryland are embracing artificial intelligence (AI) in classrooms, a move reflecting a broader national trend as educators grapple with the technology’s increasing presence in education. The district is implementing a curriculum designed to teach students how to employ AI tools safely and ethically, beginning as early as second grade. This initiative comes as schoolteachers across the country have faced the challenge of addressing AI’s impact on teaching and learning for years.
The integration of AI isn’t about replacing teachers, but rather equipping students with the skills to navigate a future increasingly shaped by the technology. Howard County’s approach focuses on building a foundation of responsible AI usage from a young age, instilling norms and rules that students will carry with them as they progress through their education. The district believes that early exposure will assist students understand AI’s capabilities and limitations, fostering a critical approach to its use. This proactive stance aims to address concerns that AI could discourage critical thinking skills if not properly integrated into the learning process.
Early Exposure to AI Concepts
Stephanie Allen, an instructional technology teacher at Bryant Woods Elementary School, explained that the curriculum introduces fundamental AI concepts to students in second grade. The goal is to help them understand that AI is a tool to enhance knowledge and creativity, rather than a substitute for their own efforts. “It’s not there to do things for you, but it’s helping you expand and broaden your knowledge or your ideas or your creativity,” Allen said. As students move into middle school, the curriculum delves deeper, exploring concepts like deep learning and machine learning, and emphasizing that AI learns from the data it receives.
The district’s strategy also includes lessons on the fallibility of AI. Jonathan Evans, a teacher at Thomas Viaduct Middle School, stresses the importance of recognizing that AI can be incorrect. “I think understanding that AI can be wrong” is a core principle of the program, ensuring students approach AI-generated information with a healthy dose of skepticism. This approach aligns with findings from a recent CBS News report highlighting how some educators are actively demonstrating AI’s limitations to their students.
National Trends in AI Education
Howard County’s initiative is part of a larger national movement to prepare educators and students for the age of AI. A Stanford University SCALE study published in August 2025, found that over 40% of teachers are regularly using AI tools in their daily work. The study, which analyzed data from over 9,000 U.S. Teachers using the SchoolAI platform, revealed a higher-than-average retention rate for the platform, suggesting a growing acceptance of AI among educators.
Microsoft, OpenAI, and Anthropic announced a $23 million investment to train hundreds of thousands of members of the American Federation of Teachers in AI usage. Microsoft President Brad Smith emphasized the potential of AI to empower teachers, providing them with more information and streamlining lesson planning. Randi Weingarten, President of the AFT, noted that whereas AI holds promise, it’s crucial to ensure it serves students and society, not the other way around, and that teachers remain at the center of the learning process.
The challenges of integrating AI into education are not lost on educators. As noted in a report by the American Psychological Association, generative AI promises to impact nearly every aspect of education, from teaching and learning to assessment. The demand for training and clear guidelines is paramount to ensure AI is used effectively and ethically.
What’s Next for AI in Maryland Schools?
Howard County Public Schools’ commitment to AI education signals a proactive approach to preparing students for a future where AI is ubiquitous. The district will continue to refine its curriculum and provide ongoing professional development for teachers, ensuring they are equipped to navigate the evolving landscape of AI technology. The success of this initiative will likely serve as a model for other school districts across the state and nation as they seek to integrate AI into their classrooms.
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