Survey Shows K-12 Schools Unprepared to Manage Risks and Capture Benefits of AI

SAN DIEGO, Calif., (February 15, 2024) — Almost all school superintendents (97 percent) say that schools have an obligation to teach students how to use artificial intelligence (AI) effectively and responsibly. Still, only 37 percent have a plan for incorporating AI instruction in the classroom, according to the 2024 Voice of the Superintendent Survey released today by education company EAB at the School Superintendent Association (AASA) National Conference on Education. Eighty-four percent say teachers in their districts are concerned about students using generative AI to cheat and take shortcuts.

“EAB’s report confirms that teacher shortages, behavioral disruptions, worsening student mental health, and other familiar challenges are so pervasive that exploring how new technologies such as AI can help doesn’t even make the ‘to-do’ list,” said EAB Senior Director of K-12 Research Ben Court.

Superintendents indicated that staffing issues remain their most pressing problem. Roughly half (52 percent) say the number of teacher vacancies has increased over the past 12 months, and two-thirds (66 percent) say the number of vacancies for noninstructional staff has increased.

A rise in work absences among teachers further compounds the staffing shortage. Nearly half (48 percent) of districts report an increase in missed workdays among instructional staff over the past year, while 55 percent of districts report an increase in missed workdays among noninstructional staff.

The survey also showed there has been little relief from rising rates of disruptive behavior and student absenteeism that soared during the pandemic. Sixty-four percent cite no improvement while 42 percent say rates of absenteeism have increased over the past year. Similarly, 76 percent of superintendents report no improvement in disruptive behaviors while 57 percent say disruptive incidents have increased.

“EAB continues to work with district leaders to share data and best practices on how to overcome these perennial problems so they can focus on teaching students the skills they need to succeed,” Court continued.

About the Survey

The 2024 Voice of the Superintendent Survey was distributed online from November 27, 2023, to January 10, 2024. One hundred and forty-eight superintendents from 39 states completed the survey, which was designed to provide superintendents with data about the experiences, perspectives, and beliefs of superintendents across the nation. For more details on the survey results, please download the Executive Brief here.

About EAB

At EAB, our mission is to make education smarter and our communities stronger. We work with more than 2,600 institutions to drive transformative change through data-driven insights and best-in-class capabilities. From kindergarten to college to career, EAB partners with leaders and practitioners to accelerate progress and drive results across enrollment, student success, institutional strategy, and data analytics. We work with each partner differently, tailoring our portfolio of research, technology, and marketing and enrollment solutions to meet the unique needs of every leadership team, as well as the students and employees they serve. Learn more at eab.com.