California Teachers Seek Three-Year Pause on AI in K-8 Classrooms

California Federation of Teachers urged Gov. Gavin Newsom to order a three-year pause on AI use in K-8 public school classrooms, according to The Sacramento Bee. The union, which represents about 120,000 educators and faculty, asked Newsom to issue the order before his term ends in January.

The union said schools are adopting AI tools without adequate protections for students and educators. Its letter cited concerns about student data, inaccurate outputs, effects on learning and teachers having limited control over classroom use.

The request follows Newsom's September executive order directing state agencies to develop AI safety rules. The union said the pause would give schools time to establish protections and prepare educators to supervise AI use.