Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Missouri Schools: Policy Landscape and Recommendations for Equitable Integration

By Shaneil Gowe, M.Ed., and Neireida Morris, MPH, J.D.

This brief explores how Missouri school districts respond to the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) in instruction. While the state lacks a formal AI education policy, local districts have begun implementing guidelines and integrating AI tools into classrooms. We describe current AI policies and implementation practices in Missouri school districts. We also provide recommendations for equitable, ethical, and effective AI adoption in Missouri education.

Key Points

• While Missouri does not yet have a statewide education policy on AI, the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) has recently released guidance on the responsible use of AI in classrooms. 

• The Missouri School Boards’ Association (MSBA) and Missouri Consultants for Education have also released model policies and toolkits for responsible AI use. District-level efforts are also emerging.

• Students are already using tools like Waggle, Curipod, and ChatGPT in school with human oversight, although there is no official policy governing their use in schools. 

• Recommendations include statewide policy frameworks and professional training that focuses on ethics.

Please Cite As: Gowe, S., & Morris, N. (2025). Artificial intelligence (AI) in Missouri schools: Policy landscape and recommendations for equitable integration. Policy Research in Missouri Education, 7(23). Saint Louis University. www.primecenter.org/policy-brief-database/ai