The Oklahoma Responsible Technology in Schools Act aims to establish guidelines for the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in public school districts, emphasizing that AI should supplement, not replace, educator-led instruction. The Act defines key terms related to AI, including "classroom AI tool," "educator-directed AI use," and "student-facing AI tool." It prohibits the use of AI tools for instructional purposes unless they are used under the supervision of educators, ensuring that decisions informed by AI remain the responsibility of school employees. The Act also mandates that AI tools comply with federal and state data privacy laws and emphasizes the importance of transparency regarding their use in educational settings.
To ensure responsible implementation, the State Department of Education is tasked with developing guidance on AI use, and each school district must adopt a policy governing AI and emerging technologies by the 2027-2028 school year. This policy must address roles for oversight, appropriate uses of AI, data protection, and communication with students and families. The Act clarifies that it does not require districts to use AI and preserves the authority of school boards to make decisions about instructional methods. The provisions of the Act will take effect on July 1, 2026, following its passage and approval.