By: Kathryn Hodgins, Content and Public Relations Specialist, FlexPoint

From left to right: FlexPoint leaders Amy Heflin, Marty Kelly, and Jason Schultz.

As kindergarten through grade 12 school systems across the nation plan for the 2026–27 academic year, technology, artificial intelligence (AI), and evolving workforce expectations are reshaping how schools define readiness for life after graduation.

As districts finalize instructional plans and career pathways, leaders are moving beyond incremental changes and rethinking how students develop the skills needed for a rapidly evolving world.

Through their work with schools and districts nationwide, FlexPoint leaders see how these shifts are influencing instructional priorities and redefining readiness in a digital-first environment.

AI Literacy Emerges as a Foundational Skill

Rather than treating AI as a niche subject, schools are beginning to explore how AI literacy and fluency can support all students, though adoption remains uneven and often cautious. At FlexPoint, we are taking a more proactive approach by embedding AI into curriculum and instruction in meaningful ways, helping districts we partner with build shared expectations and practical use cases for responsible integration.

“Students, not just those in computer science or Career and Technical Education, but every student, need some level of experience with artificial intelligence,” said Amy Heflin, senior manager of curriculum development at FlexPoint.

Students are already using AI tools across grade levels and subject areas, often ahead of formal guidance. A 2025 College Board report found that more than 80% of high school students use AI tools for schoolwork, up from 70% in 2024, according to Common Sense Media.

As a result, adoption is outpacing school guidance and regulation, prompting leaders to define expectations for appropriate use, teach students how to evaluate AI-generated content, and prioritize professional learning for educators. States are advancing policies focused on privacy, classroom use, and oversight.

Together, these developments signal a broader shift: AI fluency is increasingly being treated as a foundational skill, similar to digital literacy. 

Preparing Students for the Future of Work

The evolution of AI in classrooms reflects a broader transformation in how schools approach career readiness. As automation and emerging technologies reshape the labor market, traditional distinctions between technical and creative roles are becoming less relevant.

“Students will no longer be either a tech person or a creative person,” said Heflin. “They’re going to need to operate in that hybrid space.”

This shift also marks an important progression from digital literacy to AI literacy. Where digital literacy has traditionally focused on using technology effectively, AI literacy emphasizes how students collaborate with technology, an emerging skill that is increasingly critical for both academic success and the modern workplace.

Employers are placing growing value on skills such as analytical thinking, adaptability, and resilience, according to the World Economic Forum’s 2025 Future of Jobs Report. In this context, the ability to work alongside AI tools is quickly becoming a core expectation.

At FlexPoint, this shift is shaping how curriculum and instruction are designed, with a focus on applied learning experiences that emphasize problem-solving, adaptability, and real-world relevance.

At the same time, FlexPoint leaders are observing that many schools and districts are exploring how to better reflect these evolving skill sets in their programs and pathways. Interest in microcredentials and stackable credentials continues to grow, though consistency and alignment remain ongoing challenges.

“Not all credentials carry the same weight,” said Heflin. “What matters is whether they reflect skills that translate to real-world application.”

Alignment across kindergarten through grade 12, higher education, and employers remains uneven, particularly in emerging areas such as AI. Broader progress will depend on clearer expectations, stronger collaboration, and shared standards that better connect learning experiences to workforce needs.

Technology Strengthens Instruction and Insight

As new tools become more integrated into classrooms, leaders are focusing on how they can strengthen instruction and deepen understanding.

“AI allows us to gather and synthesize large amounts of data into something meaningful for students,” said Marty Kelly, senior director of curriculum development.

Educators are using that data to identify learning gaps, better understand student needs, and connect learners with targeted support. Successful personalization continues to rely on strong curriculum design, clear learning goals, and meaningful assessments, with technology supporting those efforts.

FlexPoint leaders are seeing how this approach enables more targeted instructional decisions while providing educators with actionable insights.

At the same time, responsible implementation remains a critical priority. 

“It’s critical to establish clear guardrails around what is appropriate with emerging technologies,” said Jason Schultz, senior director of instruction.

This focus on guardrails is shaping how organizations approach adoption, pairing access to technology with professional learning, shared standards, and ongoing evaluation to ensure new approaches improve student outcomes. Scaling effective practices depends on both strong evidence and intentional implementation.

Across learning environments, strong relationships continue to drive student success. Technology enhances instruction and expands opportunities for insight, while educators remain central to building connections with students and families.

Through ongoing collaboration with schools and districts, FlexPoint continues to observe how these shifts are shaping the future of teaching and learning.

Additional resources and information on digital learning and emerging trends are available.

About the Author: Katie Hodgins is the Content and Public Relations Specialist for FlexPoint, dedicated to telling the stories of our students, families, and the schools and districts we work with, showcasing the positive impact of online learning. A military veteran and lifelong learner, Katie brings a unique perspective to education and communication. With a passion for amplifying voices and creating meaningful connections, she leverages her experience in storytelling and strategic outreach to highlight innovations in online education.