This toolkit is designed to support education authorities, school leaders, and teachers in creating thoughtful guidance to help their communities realize the potential benefits of incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) in primary and secondary education while understanding and mitigating the potential risks.

Potential benefits of using AI in education include:

Content development and differentiation;
Assessment design and timely, effective feedback;
Tutoring and personalized learning assistance;
Aiding creativity, collaboration, critical thinking, and agency skills development;
Operational and administrative efficiency.

Potential risks involved in using AI in education include:

Misinformation, errors, and academic dishonesty;
Perpetuating societal biases and misinformation;
Compromised student privacy and unauthorized data collection;
Bullying and harassment;
Diminished student and teacher agency and accountability;
Overreliance on technology and less critical thinking.

In 2025, many educational systems still face an urgent call to provide clear, structured guidance for the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in schools, driven by widespread demand and persistent gaps in support. According to data drawn from the RAND American Educator Panel, only 18% of U.S. principals reported that their schools or districts had provided guidance on AI use, with even lower rates in high-poverty schools, where just 13% had such support compared to 25% in more affluent areas.¹ As of April 2025, only 26 U.S. States have issued guidance. While nearly one in five teachers used AI tools for instruction, the disparity in access to guidance and training reflects a systemic challenge that can stifle equitable adoption and innovation.

At the same time, 74% of students across Europe believe AI will be critical to their future careers, yet fewer than half feel their schools adequately prepare them to engage with these technologies. Nearly half worry that AI could increase inequalities among their peers.² These perceptions underscore a clear call for action: students see the value of AI but lack the foundational knowledge, skills, and institutional support to use it effectively.

This toolkit helps local and national education systems worldwide to develop guidance on the responsible use of AI, ensure compliance with relevant policies, and build the capacity of all stakeholders to understand AI and use AI effectively. The recommendations in this toolkit may also inform the early stages of developing policies and procedures, whether mandatory or voluntary.

Thoughtful and inclusive guidance development can usher in important work that teachers need to move forward.