Schools Grapple with AI Procurement Amidst Billions in Spending
U.S. school districts are spending billions on artificial intelligence (AI) tools but are struggling to determine which products are effective and safe. As the new school year begins, AI tools are being used for tasks such as flagging struggling students, tracking attendance, and improving reading scores. The U.S. education technology market, including AI, generated nearly $48 billion in revenue in 2024 and is projected to exceed $90 billion by 2030, with AI in education alone expected to reach over $15 billion by 2033. However, the rapid pace of AI development outstrips the ability of districts and states to keep up, leading to an 'asymmetry' between providers' knowledge and districts' understanding. While some states and districts, like Allentown School District in Pennsylvania and New York City Public Schools, have developed vetting processes focusing on student safety, data security, and vendor transparency, many districts still bear the burden of these decisions independently. The U.S. Department of E... 
