Maryland moves to require AI literacy in public schools.

The measure also requires AI literacy to be embedded in workforce readiness programs and computer science standards.

Maryland will require public schools to include AI literacy in classroom instruction under a new law aimed at preparing students for a workforce shaped by emerging technologies.

The Artificial Intelligence Ready Schools Act tasks the Maryland State Department of Education with creating AI guidance for schools, while local districts must develop their own policies within 120 days of the state’s recommendations, according to Afrotech.

The measure also integrates AI literacy into workforce readiness and K–12 computer science standards by June 1, 2027. It further mandates professional development for teachers and school leaders, and establishes the Maryland AI Education Collaborative on Artificial Intelligence in K–12 Education to guide best practices and recommendations for schools.

The legislation was sponsored by state Sens. Benjamin Brooks, Katie Fry Hester, Kevin M. Harris, Dalya Attar, Brian J. Feldman, and Ron Watson.

Supporters argue that statewide standards are needed as AI tools become increasingly common in both classrooms and workplaces.

“They’re going to graduate in a world where nearly every career uses AI in some way,” Hester told WBAL-TV 11 News. “I felt like it was our responsibility to make sure that they were prepared to enter the workforce knowing how to use AI.”

Hester added that the measure aims to provide consistent guidance across school districts.

“It embraces AI while also putting guardrails in place,” she said. “I just didn’t want Maryland students to fall behind simply because their system lacked that level of guidance.”

Some school districts in Maryland have already started introducing AI tools to students. In Howard County, high schoolers can access education-focused Gemini AI accounts as part of classroom learning.

Danielle Dunn, a media specialist at Hammond High School, said structured instruction is essential since students are already using AI outside school.

“If we don’t teach kids how to use it, they’re going to learn on their own and not learn well,” Dunn told the outlet.

The law places Maryland among a growing number of states working to integrate AI into K–12 education while also setting safeguards for its use in schools.