Oklahoma schools must oversee instructional AI and inform families

Districts must use educator direction and staff review when they use AI for instruction. These rules cover AI used for instructional or educational purposes in Oklahoma public school districts. Districts are not required to use AI. AI may not be the primary basis for grading, discipline, placement, promotion, retention, or other high-stakes education decisions. The act takes effect upon passage and approval under its emergency clause; it also lists July 1, 2026, as an effective date.

Districts must give families yearly written information about AI tools, and parents or guardians may opt students out of student-facing tools. The notice goes to parents or guardians of enrolled students and must identify the tools and vendors, student data collected or shared, and each tool’s educational purpose. A parent or guardian may opt a student out at any time by written notice. A student who opts out may not be academically penalized or denied core instructional content. Districts must provide notice at least annually; parents or guardians may opt a student out at any time.

The State Department of Education must publish guidance, and district school boards must adopt and maintain an AI and emerging technology policy. The guidance concerns responsible AI and emerging technology use in Oklahoma public school districts. The policy must cover staff oversight, allowed and prohibited uses, student data protection, communication with students and families, and periodic review. The policy must follow the section’s AI safeguards and state education department guidance. Each school board must adopt and maintain its policy before the 2027–2028 school year begins.