Leadership Frameworks for Ethical AI Adoption in K–12 Education

Abstract Book of the 10th World Conference on Future of Education

Year: 2026

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Leadership Frameworks for Ethical AI Adoption in K–12 Education

Chaitra Harsha, Vandana Sanjay

ABSTRACT:

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming K–12 education globally, offering opportunities for personalized learning, administrative efficiency, and data-driven decision-making. However, its integration also raises ethical, pedagogical, and governance challenges, particularly in school systems where leadership readiness varies. This paper presents a conceptual framework for leadership-driven ethical AI adoption in K–12 education, aimed at guiding school administrators, policymakers, and educational leaders. Drawing on literature in educational management, AI ethics, and school governance, the proposed LEAD-AI Framework emphasizes six principles: Learning integrity, Equity & inclusion, Accountability, Data governance, Agency, and Institutional oversight. The framework is contextualized within multi-campus K–12 institutions, highlighting practical strategies for implementation, risk mitigation, and stakeholder engagement. By centering leadership as the critical determinant of ethical and effective AI integration, this paper contributes a practice-oriented model that can guide schools in navigating the complexities of AI adoption while safeguarding student well-being, teacher capacity, and institutional credibility.

Keywords: AI in K–12 education, Educational leadership, Ethical AI, School governance, Digital transformation