Due to a lack of resources, special education teachers use AI – without knowing the effects

In special education in the United States, resources are tight and staffing shortages are widespread, leaving many school districts struggling to recruit qualified and willing professionals.

Given these long-standing challenges, there is growing interest in using artificial intelligence tools to address some of the gaps districts currently face and reduce labor costs.

Over 7 million children receive federally funded entitlements under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, which guarantees students access to instruction tailored to their individual physical and mental health needs, as well as legal processes that allow families to negotiate supports. A number of professionals are involved in special education, including rehabilitation specialists, speech therapists and teaching assistants. Yet these professionals are in short supply despite the demonstrated need for their services.

As an associate professor of special education who works with AI, I see its potential…