Four Critical Questions for Responsible AI Leadership

from

“4 Questions We Must Answer Before Bringing AI Into the Classroom” by Norman Eng in Education Week, May 28, 2026

SUMMARY

🔵 THE BIG IDEA

Artificial intelligence is rapidly entering classrooms, but Norman Eng argues that schools often focus on what AI can do before determining what it should do. Rather than rushing to adopt the latest tools, educators must first answer several foundational questions about teaching, learning, and student development.

The central tension is that AI promises efficiency, personalization, and instant access to information, yet schools risk undermining critical thinking, creativity, and human connection if implementation lacks clear educational purpose. Technology itself is neither good nor bad; its impact depends on how thoughtfully educators use it.

Eng suggests that schools should clarify their goals before selecting AI tools. Leaders must determine what students need to learn independently, what role AI should play in the learning process, how student thinking will be assessed, and how technology aligns with the school's mission. The most successful AI integration will not be driven by novelty but by intentional instructional design and a clear vision of student success.

🔵 KEY TAKEAWAYS FOR EDUCATORS

• Define learning goals before selecting AI tools.

• Identify tasks students should complete independently to build durable skills.

• Use AI to enhance learning rather than replace productive struggle.

• Evaluate whether AI supports critical thinking, creativity, and problem solving.

• Develop assessment practices that reveal authentic student understanding.

• Maintain human relationships and teacher judgment as central elements of instruction.

◻️ WHY IT MATTERS

Schools are facing increasing pressure to integrate AI into instruction. At the same time, concerns about academic integrity, student dependence on technology, and the future of assessment continue to grow. The decisions educators make today will shape how students learn, think, and solve problems for years to come. Thoughtful AI implementation can expand opportunities and personalize learning, but only if schools first establish clear educational purposes. The challenge is not whether AI belongs in schools—it is ensuring that AI serves learning rather than driving it.

🟢 LEADERSHIP ACTION STEPS

✔ Clarify district expectations for responsible AI use across grade levels and subjects.

✔ Facilitate faculty discussions around which learning experiences should remain primarily student-generated.

✔ Audit current instructional practices to identify where AI adds genuine value and where it may create dependency.

✔ Develop assessment models that emphasize reasoning, explanation, and authentic performance.

✔ Communicate a clear vision that places student learning goals ahead of technology adoption.

Original Article

“4 Questions We Must Answer Before Bringing AI Into the Classroom” by Norman Eng in Education Week, May 28, 2026

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Prepared with the assistance of AI software

OpenAI. (2026). ChatGPT (5.2) [Large language model]. https://chat.openai.com