Students representing all 50 states developed a national framework for responsible artificial intelligence (AI) use in K-12 public schools, proposing rules for academic work, student privacy, automated decisions, and human oversight.
The STUDENT FIRST Act of 2026 passed the “National AI Student Senate” by an 82-16 vote during America’s Youth AI Festival, held July 17-19, 2026, at the University of Massachusetts Boston and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology campuses.
According to an Aug. 3 press release from AASA, The School Superintendents Association, the framework would require AI literacy instruction when students begin using digital devices in school, prohibit AI-generated written and artistic assignments, and preserve human review for decisions involving grades, discipline, and hiring.
“This is written by students, for students,” said Day of AI Executive Director Jeff Riley. “Students from across the country examined the benefits and risks of AI, debated difficult tradeoffs, and developed a serious framework that education leaders can now evaluate, test, and strengthen.”
The proposal rejects both a complete ban on AI and unrestricted use of the technology in schools.
Students at every grade level would be prohibited from using AI to generate written or artistic assignments. Beginning in ninth grade, students could use AI for brainstorming, studying, or editing their own work with teacher permission and disclosure.
AI use would also be prohibited on graded assessments. Teachers could require students to demonstrate subject-matter mastery through oral defenses, handwritten assessments, or in-person discussions rather than relying solely on AI-detection software.
Students accused of unauthorized AI use would have the right to appeal, and suspected violations would require meaningful human review. Schools would also have to publish policies explaining when AI is permitted, restricted, or prohibited, along with consequences for misuse.
The framework calls for age-appropriate AI literacy instruction before students receive or begin using classroom devices. Instruction would address how AI works, misinformation, plagiarism, system bias, privacy, responsible use, and environmental effects. Educators would also receive recurring training on responsible AI use, academic integrity, accessibility, and student privacy.
The proposal would allow appropriate AI-supported services in individualized education programs and Section 504 plans while maintaining privacy safeguards. High school students who decline to use AI would be entitled to an alternative assignment.
“Students are not asking schools to ignore AI, nor are they asking schools to adopt AI without limits,” said Edward M. Kennedy Institute Chief Education Officer Sarah Yezzi. “They want clear, fair rules that protect privacy, preserve the ability to think, and ensure this transformative technology supports and enhances human relationships.”
Day of AI, AASA, the Kennedy Institute, and MIT RAISE plan to review the framework through webinars, workshops, public discussions, and school visits. AASA will also share it with more than 10,000 school leaders nationwide.
