Public support for AI in K-12 schools drops 13 points, despite Trump – and Newsom – enthusiasm

A national survey found declining public support for artificial intelligence in K-12 education, with support for AI-powered lesson planning dropping 13 percentage points and resistance to AI homework assistance increasing by 5 points compared to last year. The findings come as the Trump administration pushes to expand AI use in schools while public confidence in American education reaches historic lows, with only 13% of adults giving public schools an A or B grade.

Key survey findings: The PDK Poll, conducted by PDK International, a professional educators organization, surveyed approximately 1,000 adults nationwide and revealed widespread skepticism toward educational technology integration.

• Support for using AI to prepare lesson plans fell from 62% to 49% year-over-year
• Approval for AI tutoring students declined from 65% to 60%
• Support for AI-assisted standardized test practice dropped from 64% to 54%
• Student use of AI for homework preparation saw support fall from 43% to 38%

The big picture: Public confidence in American education has reached an all-time low, creating a challenging environment for technological innovation in schools.

• Only 13% of respondents gave public schools an A or B grade, down from 24% in 2016 and a peak of 26% in 2004
• The decline in AI support contrasts with California Governor Gavin Newsom’s recent partnership between state university systems and major tech companies including Google, Adobe, IBM, and Microsoft

Political divide on education policy: Americans overwhelmingly oppose President Trump’s plan to eliminate the Department of Education, despite his administration’s push for expanded school choice and AI integration.

• 66% of adults opposed eliminating the Department of Education, including 38% of Republicans, 66% of independents, and 93% of Democrats
• 65% believe the department’s elimination would negatively impact public schools
• Support for school choice increased slightly, with 59% of parents willing to use public funding for private or religious schools, up from 56% last year

Technology restrictions gain support: The survey revealed strong backing for limiting student technology access during school hours.

• 40% of respondents supported complete cellphone bans throughout school
• 46% favored restricting cellphone use to lunch and between classes only
• Only 11% opposed cellphone restrictions entirely
• These findings align with California’s 2024 legislation requiring all schools to limit smartphone use by July 2026

What they’re saying: The survey highlighted ongoing tensions between technological advancement and educational priorities.

• California’s partnership with tech companies includes options to extend AI programs to high school students, despite declining public support
• Governor Newsom cited concerns that smartphone use “increases anxiety, depression and other mental health issues” when signing cellphone restriction legislation

Other key findings: Beyond technology concerns, the poll identified several priority areas for public education improvement.

• 61% of respondents considered diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives important in public education
• Top priorities included expanding career and technical education programs, addressing teacher shortages, improving teacher pay, and enhancing school security measures
• Respondents emphasized the importance of educating students about responsible technology use, including AI and social media