Somerset Times

(July 30, 2024) WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressmen Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-07) and Gabe Amo (RI-01), introduced the Literacy in Future Technologies (LIFT) Artificial Intelligence Act, a bipartisan bill to improve artificial intelligence literacy for K-12.

“As artificial intelligence rapidly advances, it is crucial to implement standard training from a young age to ensure children learn how to use AI effectively and responsibly,” said Congressman Kean. “This legislation aims to establish a foundational AI curriculum in schools, enabling students to harness this tool to enhance their learning and adapt to rapidly evolving technology. I am grateful to Rep. Amo for partnering with me on this bipartisan effort as we work to prepare the next generation for a future with artificial intelligence.”

“The impact of artificial intelligence will only continue to grow as more people use the technology,” said Congressman Amo. “I’m proud to work with Rep. Tom Kean on this bipartisan bill to invest in — and expand — artificial intelligence literacy education in the classroom. Our LIFT AI Act would make sure the next generation of students have the skills they need to responsibly use this technology, regardless of the career they decide to pursue.”

“We are proud to support the LIFT AI Act,” said James Brown, Executive Director of the STEM Education Coalition. “Artificial intelligence is impacting every part of our society and has great potential to improve education - if we harness it properly and responsibly. The National Science Foundation is ideally suited to provide educators and students with a better understanding of how best to employ AI to make our future even brighter and this bill is a good first step in that direction.”

The LIFT AI Act would:

Support a grant program within NSF for research and development of AI literacy curriculum and evaluation methods for K-12, ensuring that educational materials are learner-centered, project-based, and adaptable.

Support professional learning opportunities for educators, principals, and school leaders to enhance their AI literacy and proficiency through courses, mentoring, and best practice development.

Promote the creation of hands-on learning tools, the integration of AI literacy into existing curriculums, and the development of evaluation tools to assess AI literacy proficiency.

Congressman Kean currently serves on the Science, Space and Technology Committee.

Full text of the bill can be found HERE.

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