SETDA Survey Finds AI Is Top State Education Technology Priority

SETDA said in a press release that 79% of surveyed state education technology leaders named AI a top priority in 2026, up from 68% in 2025. Its annual report draws on 73 responses from education officials in 45 states and one territory.

The survey found that 83% of states have an AI initiative, while 23% now require AI guidance under state law, up from 4% in 2024. Among states with guidance for buying tools that use AI, 79% include evidence standards, but 68% of respondents said vendor claims remain difficult to verify independently.

Professional learning was the most common unmet need, cited by 62% of respondents, up from 47% last year. The report also found that 74% said their state lacks a sufficient dedicated education technology budget, while 76% reported teams of five or fewer staff.