HR 40: urging the department of education to co-develop a sixth to twelfth grade artificial intelligence literacy and usage curriculum with teachers.

HOUSE RESOLUTION

urging the department of education to co-develop a sixth to twelfth grade artificial intelligence literacy and usage curriculum with teachers.

     WHEREAS, increasing global investments in artificial intelligence (AI) and information processing technologies necessitate an AI-skilled workforce; and

     WHEREAS, the World Economic Forum finds that AI and machine

learning specialists are anticipated to experience eighty percent net job growth from 2025 to 2030; and

     WHEREAS, K-12 education on AI ethics, equity, and implementation is essential in training an informed and competitive AI-skilled workforce; and

     WHEREAS, in the article "What is AI Literacy? Competencies and Design Considerations", academics Duri Long and Brian Magerko define AI literacy as "a set of competencies that enables individuals to critically evaluate AI technologies; communicate and collaborate effectively with AI; and use AI as a tool online, at home, and in the workplace"; and

     WHEREAS, primary, peer-reviewed literature and other resources confirm the success of AI literacy curricula in early childhood education and provide clear recommendations for successfully implementing AI literacy curricula in K-12 education; and

     WHEREAS, there are international AI literacy guidelines for primary and secondary education, including the AILit Framework, which inform government entities, schools, and educators on the proper incorporation of AI into curriculum; and

     WHEREAS, the State must ensure that Hawaii's students have the education necessary to enter an increasingly AI-centric workforce; now, therefore,

     BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Thirty-third Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2026, that this body urges the Department of Education to co-develop a sixth to twelfth grade artificial intelligence literacy and usage curriculum with teachers; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Department of Education is requested to consult the following resources when developing the curriculum:

     (1)  Primary, peer-reviewed literature;

     (2)  Global artificial intelligence literacy frameworks; and

     (3)  Hawaiʻi-based artificial intelligence curricula, such as relevant curricula from Kūlia Academy; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Department of Education is urged to design AI literacy curricula in a way that:

     (1)  Fosters transparent, accountable, and ethical AI use;

     (2)  Enables equitable access to AI literacy across Hawaiʻi; and

     (3)  Includes regular quantitative and qualitative assessments to ensure student progress and mechanisms to routinely reassess the curricula to maintain pace with evolving technologies and social norms; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to the Chairperson of the Board of Education and Superintendent of Education.

Report Title: 

Artificial Intelligence; Literacy and Usage Curriculum; Department of Education