NYC, LA Schools Pause AI Use, Citing Need for Evidence on Learning Impact

New York City and Los Angeles, the two largest U.S. school districts, have imposed a one-year moratorium on the use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) for nearly 600,000 students. The decisions, enacted as students returned to classes in September, reflect concerns that unvetted AI tools are being adopted before their impact on learning is understood.

School officials emphasized that the pause is intended to gather evidence. New York City Schools Chancellor David Banks stated, "We’re standing firmly in our belief that innovation does not mean more technology." The districts aim to ensure technology supports learning, rather than hindering it, over the next year.

The widespread adoption of AI in education is outpacing rigorous evaluation. While 60% of teachers report using AI for their work, 82% have received no formal guidance on its use. Policies are also lagging, with only half of middle and high schools having AI policies, and just 6% of teachers finding them clear.

Given that 91% of teens use AI for schoolwork and AI's growing presence in the workforce, understanding its educational value is critical. Recommendations from groups like the Alliance for Learning Innovation propose federal actions, such as passing the NEED Act and establishing national research testbeds, to build a trustworthy evidence base for the safe and effective integration of AI in schools nationwide.