Artificial Intelligence Video

Reading Is Hard to Teach. Can AI Help?

By Alyson Klein & Yi-Jo Shen — March 27, 2026 1 min read
  • Save to favorites
  • Print

Artificial intelligence might be able to drive cars, treat diseases, and train your front door to recognize your face. But can it help kids learn how to read?

The answer from some experts is that it won’t be long before AI tools for reading instruction are commonplace in schools.

But those predictions come with a big caveat: Relying too heavily on AI could be counterproductive.

Coverage of education technology is supported in part by a grant from the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, at www.chanzuckerberg.com. Education Week retains sole editorial control over the content of this coverage.

Events

This content is provided by our sponsor. It is not written by and does not necessarily reflect the views of Education Week's editorial staff.
Sponsor
Special Education Webinar
Hidden Costs of Special Ed Vacancies: Solutions for Your District
When provider vacancies hit, students feel it first. Hear what district leaders are doing to keep IEP-related services on track.
Content provided by Huddle Up
This content is provided by our sponsor. It is not written by and does not necessarily reflect the views of Education Week's editorial staff.
Sponsor
Privacy & Security Webinar
How Technology Is Reshaping Childhood
How do we protect kids online while embracing innovation? Learn about navigating safety, privacy, and opportunity in the Digital Age.
Content provided by Connect x Protect
Budget & Finance Webinar Creative Approaches to K-12 Budget Realities
What are districts prioritizing in 2026? New survey data reveals emerging K-12 budgeting trends.

EdWeek Top School Jobs

Teacher Jobs
Search over ten thousand teaching jobs nationwide — elementary, middle, high school and more.
View Jobs
Principal Jobs
Find hundreds of jobs for principals, assistant principals, and other school leadership roles.
View Jobs
Administrator Jobs
Over a thousand district-level jobs: superintendents, directors, more.
View Jobs
Support Staff Jobs
Search thousands of jobs, from paraprofessionals to counselors and more.
View Jobs

Read Next

Artificial Intelligence Teachers Say Lack of AI Guidance Is a Major Problem
Most teachers say they have not received formal guidance on how to use AI tools in their work.
5 min read
TeachersAI SG16
A high school teacher with eight years of experience works with an instructor during a presentation at the first training session of the National Academy for AI Instruction on March 18, 2026, at UFT headquarters in New York City. Many teachers haven't received formal guidance on how to use the technology responsibly and effectively.
Salwan Georges for Education Week
Artificial Intelligence Opinion 4 Questions We Must Answer Before Bringing AI Into the Classroom
Student learning should be the primary criterion for if and when AI belongs in K-12 schools.
Norman Eng
5 min read
A stack of books in the form of a school house built with knowledge. A row of digital school houses repeat and glitch in iterations becoming distorted.
Vanessa Solis/Education Week + iStock/Getty
Artificial Intelligence Teachers' Union's AI Plan Seeks 'Big Tech Tax,' Elementary Screen Bans
The American Federation of Teachers launches push to limit AI-based tools for students.
4 min read
Randi Weingarten, the president of the American Federation of Teachers, calls for a ban on screens and limited artificial intelligence use in schools at the National Press Club in Washington, on May 27, 2026.
Randi Weingarten, the president of the American Federation of Teachers, calls for a ban on screens and limited artificial intelligence use in schools during a news conference at the National Press Club in Washington, on May 27, 2026.
Marvin Joseph/Education Week
Artificial Intelligence Video How AI Complicates Student Well-Being. What Schools Should Know
Many kids cannot tell the difference between an AI-driven chatbot and genuine human understanding.