New AI Guidance for Montana’s K–12 Schools
 | Author:
Susie Hedalen, Superintendant Office of Public Instruction
Superintendent Of Public Instruction |
New AI Guidance for Montana’s K–12 Schools
Susie Hedalen
Superintendent Office of Public Instruction
Superintendent Hedalen Announces Release of New AI Guidance HELENA, Mont. — Superintendent of Public Instruction Susie Hedalen today announced the release of Montana’s K–12 Artificial Intelligence (AI) Guidance, a first-of-its-kind resource designed to help schools and districts across the state navigate the opportunities and challenges of integrating AI in education responsibly.
Developed in collaboration with the Montana Digital Academy (MTDA) and education stakeholders statewide, this living document provides practical principles, policy alignment, and classroom strategies for schools as they explore AI’s potential to support teaching, learning, and operations while maintaining a strong focus on student privacy and local control.
“This guidance is about empowering Montana educators and districts to approach AI with confidence and care,” said Superintendent Susie Hedalen. “We’re proud to lead the way in crafting practical, Montana-made resources that balance safety, ethics, and innovation. By partnering with the Montana Digital Academy, we are shaping tools that serve every corner of our state. Our goal with this guidance is that students and educators will be able to approach AI with critical thinking skills and an understanding of the power of this technology as well as the ethical responsibilities that come with it.”
“We’re so happy to be part of this work and grateful for the Superintendent’s leadership in setting a thoughtful direction for AI in our school," said Executive Director of MTDA Jason Neiffer. "Through our Frontier Learning Lab, we look forward to partnering with schools across Montana to turn this guidance into practical strategies that serve teachers and students alike.”
The guidance emphasizes human-centered, ethical use of AI, ensuring that technology supports, rather than replaces, learning. It outlines clear principles for data privacy, transparency, academic integrity, and responsible innovation, while highlighting both the benefits and unpredictability of AI adoption. The Frontier Learning Lab, a branch of the Digital Academy, stands ready to aid in implementation of best practices around AI and provides trainings to schools across the state.
Key focus areas include:
Professional Learning for Educators: Building AI literacy, ethical awareness, and confidence in using AI tools safely and effectively.
Accessibility: Ensuring all students, including those in rural, tribal, and under-resourced communities, benefit from responsible AI use.
Policy and Governance: Aligning AI practices with Montana law, local control, and tribal sovereignty.
Implementation Roadmap: Providing regional support through MTDA’s Frontier Learning Lab, service cooperatives, and higher education partners.
The Office of Public Instruction will review and update the guidance periodically to ensure it remains relevant as technologies and classroom practices evolve. AI Guidance for Montana’s K–12 Schools
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Image 1 Caption: Susie Hedalen, Superintendent Office of Public Instruction
