An evidence-based blueprint for designing and deploying AI in K–12 schools

With U.S. school districts now experimenting with AI tools, leaders need rigorous guidance on what works and why. Schools of Thought: Designing and Implementing AI-Powered Education Technology delivers an evidence-based blueprint drawn from decades of learning science research and the behind-the-scenes development of Khanmigo, Khan Academy's generative AI tutor serving millions of students and teachers.

Schools of Thought examines foundational learning science principles, the complexities of motivation and feedback in digital environments, and the realities of deploying AI tools within existing school systems. It addresses common misconceptions about educational AI, provides a framework for building stakeholder trust, and offers practical guidance for evaluating and integrating technology that responds to how students actually learn.

Readers will also find:

• Strategies for responsible, system-level AI implementation that supports both teachers and students across diverse school contexts
• Frameworks for evaluating whether AI-powered education tools are grounded in research and suited to real classroom needs
• Insights from the development of Khanmigo, revealing how learning science principles shaped a generative AI tutor
• Practical approaches to building trust among educators, families, and communities when introducing AI into schools
• Guidance on navigating the risks and opportunities of AI adoption while maintaining focus on improved student outcomes

Written for school district leaders and administrators navigating AI adoption at a systems level, and for edtech developers seeking to build research-grounded tools for real classrooms, this book provides the frameworks and practical insights needed to move beyond hype toward responsible, effective implementation of AI in education.