Proof Before Hype: Using R&D for Coherent AI in K-12 Education makes the case for investments in R&D to integrate AI in classrooms ethically and effectively. The guide, co-authored by Education First, Alliance for Learning and the Advanced Education Research and Development Fund, offers guidance for developers and education practitioners grounded in district leaders’ insights about AI in the classroom drawn from Education First’s AI x Coherence Academy. It outlines how to build practitioner-driven networks, leverage innovative laboratories for rapid, evidence-based testing, and implement policy guardrails that protect students while signaling market demand. By following these recommendations, the field can create AI tools that align with instructional priorities, support equitable learning and deliver meaningful impact for every student.
