In the realm of education, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning tools are becoming increasingly prevalent among teachers. However, what about school psychologists? A recent study published in School Psychology sheds light on the use of AI tools by US school psychologists, their perspectives on the benefits, and potential areas of concern.
The study, authored by Ryan Farmer, Adam Lockwood, Randy Floyd, and Alec Sisco, marks a significant milestone in documenting the utilization of AI tools among school psychologists. The findings indicate a growing trend of AI adoption within the field of psychology, mirroring the broader acceptance of AI among psychologists in general.
According to the American Psychological Association, the number of psychologists leveraging AI has risen substantially from 29% in 2024 to 56% in 2025. This shift underscores the increasing reliance on AI technologies within the psychological community.
Similarly, the education sector has witnessed a surge in AI integration, with a majority of K-12 teachers utilizing AI tools professionally. A survey conducted by Gallup and The Walton Family Foundation revealed that 60% of teachers had employed AI tools during the 2024-2025 school year, highlighting the pervasive nature of AI in education.
The study surveyed nearly 200 US school psychologists to gauge the prevalence of AI utilization in their professional practices, as well as their attitudes towards the benefits and limitations of AI. The results indicated that approximately two-thirds of respondents had used AI tools within the past six months, with applications ranging from generating recommendations to writing reports and answering work-related queries.
Despite the widespread use of AI tools, ethical considerations remain paramount. The study revealed that a significant portion of school psychologists had not disclosed their use of AI to key stakeholders, such as parents and administrators, and only a small percentage had established AI policies in their workplaces.
In conclusion, while school psychologists are eager to embrace AI for tasks such as documentation and recommendation generation, ethical concerns surrounding disclosure and data security persist. As the field grapples with evolving student needs and workforce challenges, understanding how AI can ethically and responsibly support school psychologists is crucial.
Overall, the study sheds light on the growing role of AI in school psychology and underscores the need for ongoing dialogue and best practices to ensure the ethical and effective integration of AI tools in educational settings.