Schools have made advancements in technology adoption, including setting guidelines for artificial intelligence (AI), but they continue to face challenges due to limited resources, funding, and expertise. This is according to the latest State of EdTech report by the Consortium for School Networking (CoSN), which surveyed approximately 600 chief technology officers from K-12 schools.
A key finding is the significant increase in AI adoption across school districts; nearly 79% now have AI guidelines, a notable rise from 57% in 2025. Despite this progress, many districts report encountering obstacles related to inadequate staffing and funding. CoSN CEO Keith Krueger emphasizes the importance of quality training, not just on specific tools but also on innovative ways to use them.
While a majority of districts support the establishment of AI guidelines, whether by themselves or state education agencies, they are resistant to binding state or federal mandates. As AI continues to evolve rapidly, Krueger warns against rigid, board-approved mandates that might hinder adaptability.
The report highlights that 70% of districts focus on training staff in generative AI tools for instruction. Other initiatives include productivity-enhancing measures for instructional staff and teachers, with about 54% and 53% of districts engaged in these efforts respectively. There has also been an increase in using AI for operational purposes, rising from 37% in 2025 to 64% in 2026. However, initiatives focusing on AI for teaching and learning remain lower, at 41%.
Concerns over cybersecurity risks related to AI are prevalent, with almost all respondents (98%) expressing worry about potential cyber threats. The problem is compounded by insufficient staffing and budgets to tackle these security challenges, as observed in recent cybersecurity breaches, like the May 2026 attacks on the digital education platform Canvas.
A notable concern in educational technology is the vetting process for edtech tools, with emphasis on ensuring the products’ safety, effectiveness, and legality. Despite progress in vetting processes, gaps remain, particularly regarding inclusivity and accessibility, with only 29% of vetting processes requiring this information. This has led to concerns among accessibility advocates, who argue that blanket policies might disadvantage some students.
Krueger suggests districts should refer to five quality indicators for edtech and AI products to improve their current processes. This includes leveraging procurement as a powerful tool for implementing effective technology adoption. He stresses that the way forward relies on prioritizing awareness, training, and policy development to address current gaps in technology implementation in education.
Source: EdSurge News
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https://edsurge.com/news/2026-06-02-report-school-it-officials-worried-about-ai-adoption-cybersecurity
