Today, the Center for Democracy & Technology (CDT) released a survey highlighting the widespread use of advanced technologies in K-12 schools. The findings indicate that these technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), are being implemented despite significant parental concerns and a lack of awareness about their usage.
"Since CDT began this quantitative research in 2020, we have seen a rapid expansion of educational data and technology use, including AI, in K-12 schools. However, this has happened without meaningful engagement with the families that they serve," stated CDT President and CEO Alexandra Reeve Givens. She emphasized the need for transparency and consultation with students and families when deciding to implement educational technology tools.
The survey results reveal several key points from the 2023-24 school year:
- Approximately one-fourth of teachers report drone usage for campus patrols. Nearly half of parents express concern over this practice, with heightened worries among Black and Hispanic parents compared to white parents.
- Fifty-five percent of teachers say their schools utilize student data to predict academic risks. Again, about half of parents are concerned about this approach.
- Seventy percent of high school students report using generative AI; however, only 46 percent of their parents are aware of this usage.
- Eighty-eight percent of teachers confirm the use of student activity monitoring software online, yet only 45 percent of parents know about it.
Teachers also highlighted issues related to privacy and security practices:
- Nearly one in four teachers reported large-scale data breaches at their schools during the past year.
- Thirteen percent noted incidents where they or colleagues were doxxed.
- One-third indicated uncertainty or absence of policies on student privacy for gender expansive students.
Elizabeth Laird, Director of the Equity in Civic Technology Project at CDT, commented on these findings: "Introducing new technologies into K-12 schools also introduces new threat vectors and risks of irresponsible use. This underscores the importance of schools needing to clearly communicate with families."
The research draws from nationally representative surveys involving public school teachers from grades 6 through 12 as well as parents and high school students. More details can be found in CDT's full report available online.
The Center for Democracy & Technology is a nonpartisan nonprofit organization focused on advancing civil rights and liberties within digital spaces since its founding in 1994.
