Strategic Integration of Artificial Intelligence in U.S. K–12 Education: A Comprehensive Review and Policy Roadmap

This paper provides a comprehensive review of Artificial Intelligence (AI) integration in K-12 education, examining current implementations, policy frameworks, and emerging challenges. We analyze over 40 recent publications (2024-2025) from academic journals, government reports, and industry whitepapers to identify key trends in AI adoption across primary and secondary education systems. This paper presents a comprehensive review of Artificial Intelligence (AI) integration in K-12 education, examining its pedagogical, technical, and policy dimensions. Through an analysis of recent literature, we highlight Generative AI as the most widely adopted paradigm in educational settings, with Agentic AI emerging as a significant secondary focus. The review identifies key trends in architectural approaches while noting underrepresented technical frameworks. Our review reveals three critical dimensions of AI in education: (1) pedagogical applications including personalized learning and administrative automation, (2) policy and ethical considerations at federal and state levels, and (3) infrastructure requirements for successful implementation. We highlight the rapid growth of Generative AI (GenAI) tools in classrooms alongside persistent concerns about equity, data privacy, and teacher preparedness. We summarize a conceptual framework for evaluating educational AI systems that balances pedagogical value with implementation considerations. The study proposes a readiness framework balancing pedagogical value against implementation complexity. Recommendations emphasize professional development, privacy-preserving architectures, and international governance standards to guide responsible adoption through 2030. The paper concludes with strategic recommendations for stakeholders, emphasizing the need for teacher professional development, privacy-preserving technologies, and international collaboration to guide responsible adoption. This review synthesizes critical insights for navigating the evolving landscape of AI in education while maintaining human-centered priorities. The paper concluddes with recommendations for policymakers, educators, and technology developers to ensure responsible AI integration that enhances rather than replaces human instruction.