New federal data show a troubling trend: Public schools that serve the highest percentages of students of color are the least likely to provide AI training for teachers. According to December 2024 data from the U.S. Department of Education, just 58 percent of schools in which more than 75 percent of students are students of color provided AI training to staff—compared to 75 percent of schools with 25 percent or fewer students of color.
These findings come from a nationally representative survey asking school leaders whether they offered AI-related professional development to teachers, administrators, or staff. The data point to unequal access to the knowledge teachers need to help students navigate and benefit from a rapidly changing world.
Figure: Schools with student bodies largely composed of students of color are less likely to provide teachers with training on use of AI
Source: U.S. Department of Education, Institute of Education Sciences, National Center for Education Statistics, School Pulse Panel 2024–25.
Why AI readiness starts with teachers
At Child Trends, we work with education leaders to ensure that schools are prepared to use AI in ways that are safe, effective, and equitable. When teachers are trained to integrate AI into instruction, they can help students use these tools to deepen learning—especially in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). AI is rapidly reshaping these fields, making it even more important for students to understand how to use it responsibly and creatively.
Our research shows that, while students are already experimenting with AI to complete assignments, many teachers feel unprepared to guide its use. Without training, educators may struggle to help students use AI effectively, ethically, or in ways that build real-world skills. To address this gap, we developed the AI-Class Framework, which helps school and district leaders create the systems, policies, and professional learning opportunities needed to build teacher capacity in AI.
As AI becomes more integrated into education and the workforce, it’s critical to ensure that teachers are prepared. Without sufficient training and support, students may miss out on opportunities to fully benefit from these emerging tools. Investing in teacher development is a practical and necessary step to help all students gain the skills they need to succeed in an AI-driven world.
Interested in working with Child Trends on teacher professional development around AI? Contact Samantha Holquist at sholquist@childtrends.org.