Articles · Schools
Only 29% of Texas school and district leaders reported a student AI policy, and Texas 2036 counts Texas outside 42 states with some form of school AI guidance
Texas school leaders reported AI in classrooms far more often than a written policy for it, Texas 2036 says. By its count Texas has no statewide school AI guidance.
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Texas 2036 published a preview of its report on AI in Texas schools on November 10th, 2026. In a survey of Texas school and district leaders taken in fall 2025,, 86%% reported teachers using AI and 61%% reported student use.
Only 29%% of those leaders reported a district policy governing student AI use. Just 20%% reported a policy for teachers and staff. The figures are what leaders reported to the survey the group cites, not a count of classrooms.
Texas among the states
By the group's own analysis, 2036 states have issued some form of statewide AI guidance, model policy, framework or support for schools. Texas is not among them.
The article does not name which states it counted or what each one issued, and it does not say who ran the survey of school leaders. Neither is in the published preview.
What the report asks for
Its first priority is statewide guidance that gives every district a common foundation for responsible AI use, built on laws the Legislature already passed. The second is safety standards for AI tools covering data privacy, security and educational effectiveness before the tools reach classrooms.
The third is training and resources for teachers to recognize and respond to the risks of AI. The fourth is age appropriate AI literacy for students.
Report author Renzo Soto says AI can be a useful tool for teachers when used responsibly and effectively. He also says AI has not changed what works for students, a strong teacher and a solid academic foundation.
What voters told the group
Texas 2036 reports that nearly 85%% of Texas voters call protecting student data and privacy extremely or very important if schools use AI. It reports that 71%% say teaching students to use AI responsibly and ethically is important.
The report is a recommendation from a nonprofit policy group. No state agency or school district has acted on it in the record, and the article names no date by which the state would decide.
Sources for this story
Claim-by-claim verification · 16 claims
Texas 2036 published its preview article on November 10th, 2026.
Published on November 10, 2026
Texas 2036 says 86% of Texas school and district leaders reported teacher use of AI in fall 2025, and 61% reported student use.
In fall 2025, 86% of Texas school and district leaders reported that teachers were using AI, while 61% reported student use.
Per Texas 2036, only 29% of Texas school and district leaders reported a district policy governing student AI use.
Only 29% of Texas school and district leaders reported having a district policy governing student AI use.
Per Texas 2036, just 20% of those leaders reported a policy for teachers and staff.
Just 20% reported a policy for teachers and staff.
A Texas 2036 analysis counts 42 states that have issued some form of statewide AI guidance, model policy, framework or support for schools.
According to Texas 2036 analysis, 42 states have issued some form of statewide AI guidance, model policy, framework or support for schools.
Texas 2036 says Texas is not one of those 42 states.
Texas is not among them.
The first of four Texas 2036 priorities is statewide guidance that gives every district a common foundation for responsible AI use built on laws the Legislature already passed.
Establish statewide guidance. Give every school district a common, evidence-based foundation for responsible AI use, building on laws already enacted by the Legislature.
The second priority puts student safety first by having AI tools meet standards for data privacy, security and educational effectiveness before they reach Texas classrooms.
Ensure AI tools meet appropriate standards for data privacy, security and educational effectiveness before they ever reach Texas classrooms.
The third priority equips Texas teachers with training and resources to recognize and respond to the risks of AI.
Ensure educators have access to training and resources that help them recognize and respond to
The fourth priority prepares students for an AI future by building critical AI literacy in an age-appropriate way.
critical AI literacy skills in an age-appropriate manner, emphasizing critical thinking
Report author Renzo Soto is quoted saying AI has not changed what works for students, which he names as a strong teacher and a solid academic foundation.
AI has not changed what we know works for students: a strong teacher who supports them and helps them build a solid academic foundation.
Renzo Soto is the author of the Texas 2036 report on AI in schools.
AI report author Renzo Soto
Texas 2036 says nearly 85% of Texas voters call protecting student data and privacy extremely or very important if schools use AI.
Nearly 85% of Texas voters say protecting student data and privacy is extremely or very important if schools use AI.
Per Texas 2036, more than three-quarters of Texas voters prioritize safety and quality standards for AI tools in schools.
More than three-quarters prioritize safety and quality standards for AI tools
Per Texas 2036, 71% of Texas voters say teaching students to use AI responsibly and ethically is important.
71% say teaching students to use AI responsibly and ethically is important.
Renzo Soto says AI can be a useful tool for teachers when used responsibly and effectively.
AI can be a useful tool for teachers when used responsibly and effectively.