AI Takes Root in Education Policy
Curated AI education news for week 30 in 2025.
Good morning. This week saw education policy move decisively towards formal AI integration. In the US, the Department of Education released its first official guidance on AI use in schools and universities, clarifying how federal funding can support tools like tutoring bots and planning assistants.
Meanwhile, OpenAI announced a partnership with the Canvas platform to embed AI into everyday teaching workflows. And in the UK, OpenAI signed a strategic deal with the government to explore AI in public services, including schools, marking a shift from experimentation to institutional backing.
In This Week’s News
US Department of Education confirms AI tools can be funded under existing federal grants.
Canvas and OpenAI partner to integrate classroom AI directly into learning platforms.
UK signs agreement with OpenAI to explore public sector AI use, including in education.
MIT study finds AI use in writing assignments reduces brain engagement and idea quality.
Survey finds UK public strongly oppose coursework written entirely by AI.
US Department of Education cautiously endorses classroom AI
A new guidance letter clarifies that federally funded education providers may now use grant money to implement AI tools, such as for tutoring, academic advice or content generation, so long as they uphold legal standards for safety, equity and privacy. The Department also proposes prioritising funding for institutions that develop responsible-use frameworks.
Why it matters
The guidance moves US education beyond ambiguity, signalling federal support for AI use under human oversight. But the lack of detailed implementation rules leaves much to states and districts.
Source: ed.gov
Canvas adds OpenAI tools to core platform
Instructure, which runs the Canvas learning management system, has integrated OpenAI technology into its platform. Educators can now use generative tools for lesson planning, admin tasks and basic student interactions. Teachers retain control, with options to approve or customise AI outputs.
Why it matters
With 30 million users, Canvas is a major vector for AI's entry into the classroom. Its integration makes AI tools more accessible—but also raises questions about how quickly institutions can develop usage policies.
Source: Business Insider
UK signs OpenAI deal to explore AI in education and public services
The UK government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with OpenAI to pilot artificial intelligence in sectors including education. The aim is to explore uses that can reduce staff workload and improve service delivery while maintaining public sector standards of transparency and oversight.
Why it matters
This formalises the UK’s move from ad hoc experimentation to strategic exploration. Schools and universities may soon see pilots or funding tied to this agreement.
Source: The Guardian
AI Education News in Brief
MIT warns of reduced brain activity with AI use. EEG data show students using ChatGPT engage fewer neural networks and produce flatter writing. Educators are advised to scaffold use with critical thinking tasks.
Source: Tech & Learning
Public rejects AI‑written coursework. A new UK survey finds most people believe it is unacceptable for pupils to submit work generated entirely by AI.
Source: Yahoo News UK
AI in early UK schools cuts workload, but gaps remain A government report shows major time-saving benefits, but 74% of staff still lack formal AI training.
Source: GOV.UK
AI policies now vary state-by-state in the US. 28 states have released K‑12 guidance, with wide variation in scope and restrictions.
Source: Stateline
Younger staff more open to AI. A US survey finds educators under 35 are far more likely to experiment with AI tools than their older peers.
Source: D2L
AI Studies Released This Week
AI prompts boost learning, but only if well-structured. A Scientific Reports study of 323 students finds quality of AI interaction correlates with project performance.
Source: Nature
Students rely on AI for cognitive tasks. Studies from Anthropic and Australian researchers show students using AI to bypass source materials and critical thinking.
Source: Hechinger Report
In Other AI News
EU finalises voluntary AI Code of Practice. Microsoft will sign; Meta says legal clarity is lacking.
Source: Reuters
UK unveils £2bn Compute Roadmap. New plan calls for massive investment in AI-ready infrastructure and digital skills development.
Source: GOV.UK
Tech leaders split on future of white-collar jobs. OpenAI and Anthropic leaders disagree on how many entry-level roles AI will replace.
Source: Business Insider