AI Policy in Virginia Public Schools: A Comparative Analysis

Authors

• Jesse Senechal, Virginia Commonwealth UniversityFollow
• Jamelle Simmons, Virginia Commonwealth UniversityFollow
• Jonathan D. Becker, Virginia Commonwealth UniversityFollow
• Melissa Ware, Virginia Commonwealth UniversityFollow
• Michael Broda, Virginia Commonwealth UniversityFollow
• Kindy Anderson, Virginia Commonwealth UniversityFollow
• Eric Byers, Virginia Commonwealth UniversityFollow
• Kiana Bradford, Virginia Commonwealth UniversityFollow
• Thea Racelis, Virginia Commonwealth UniversityFollow
• Meleah Ellison, Virginia Commonwealth UniversityFollow

Document Type

Article

Original Publication Date

2026

Date of Submission

June 2026

Abstract

This MERC research and policy review explores policy implications of artificial intelligence (AI) in Virginia public schools. It is part of a two part series with a companion report focused on AI implications for PK-12 teaching and learning. The report has two parts:

1. A review of the AI policy landscape around PK-12 education
2. Virginia AI policy analysis

It concludes with a series of key takeaways and recommendations for PK-12 policy and practice.

Recommended Citation

Senechal, J., Simmons, J., Becker, J., Ware, M., Broda, M., Anderson, K., Byers, E., Bradford, K., Racelis, T., & Ellison, M. (2026). AI Policy in Virginia Public Schools: A Comparative Analysis. Richmond, VA: Metropolitan Educational Research Consortium.

Is Part Of

VCU MERC Publications