As AI Enters More Classrooms, Parents Focus on Student Success

As the new school year approaches, artificial intelligence is becoming a more common presence in classrooms across Texas and the nation. While much of the public debate has centered on whether schools should embrace or reject AI, a recent survey reveals that parents are asking a more practical question: Will it help my child succeed?

According to a survey from the National School Choice Awareness Foundation, 76% of parents support at least some use of AI in schools. The survey also found that 42% of parents see AI’s greatest promise in its ability to personalize learning to each student’s needs and pace—twice the percentage who pointed to preparing students for AI-driven careers (21%). This indicates that parents view AI as a tool to enhance individual learning rather than a futuristic novelty.

“Parents are using the same lens they apply to most education debates: Will this help my child learn?” said Shelby Doyle, senior vice president of policy and national partnerships at the National School Choice Awareness Foundation. “That’s exactly the standard schools should apply.”

AI’s potential in education is significant. It can help teachers identify learning gaps earlier, adapt instruction to individual students, provide additional support where needed, translate materials for multilingual families, and reduce administrative work, allowing educators to focus more on teaching and building relationships with students.

The integration of AI is no longer hypothetical. As of now, [35 states](https://www.ecs.org/state-education-policy-tracking/) have released guidance for K-12 schools, addressing classroom instruction, academic integrity, student privacy, teacher training, and family engagement. Schools are moving from asking whether AI belongs in education to determining how it can be implemented responsibly.

Parents deserve a voice in these decisions. The survey found that 78% of parents say a school’s approach to AI matters when considering where their child should be educated. Nearly half worry about students becoming too dependent on technology, while others cite concerns about cheating and weakened critical thinking skills. These views reflect a desire for thoughtful, student-first policies.

Education leaders are also paying attention. [TeachAI](https://www.teachai.org/), a coalition of nonprofits and technology companies, has released a toolkit for administrators, teachers, and governing bodies to highlight opportunities and mitigate risks when using AI in K-12 schools. State guidance across the country echoes these priorities, encouraging thoughtful implementation with input from educators, parents, and communities.

The urgency is real. [Pew Research](https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2023/11/14/teens-and-chatgpt/) recently found that more than half of U.S. teenagers have already used AI chatbots for schoolwork. AI is already part of many students’ learning experiences. The opportunity now is to teach students how to use these tools ethically and responsibly, in ways that strengthen rather than replace learning.

As AI becomes more prevalent, parents need clear, trustworthy information. Resources like [myschoolchoice.com/back-to-school](https://www.myschoolchoice.com/back-to-school) offer free guides and practical advice to help families navigate the school year with confidence.

Ultimately, schools should not lose sight of the question parents are already asking: Will this help my child learn? If the answer is yes—and parents are part of the conversation—AI has the potential to become another tool that helps teachers personalize learning and helps every student thrive.