BAY POINT, Calif. — As special education teachers navigate the challenges of increasing workloads and staffing shortages, some are turning to artificial intelligence (AI) as a tool to streamline administrative tasks and focus on student interaction. This adoption of technology reflects a growing recognition of the potential for free-market solutions to address challenges within the education system.

Mary Acebu, a teacher at Riverview Middle School, has been using AI for the past two years to manage paperwork, particularly Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). This allows her to spend more time directly engaging with her students, fostering a stronger teacher-student relationship.

The growing reliance on AI in special education reflects a broader trend of innovation and efficiency in the private sector. By leveraging technology, teachers can reduce the time spent on administrative tasks and focus on delivering high-quality instruction. This aligns with conservative principles of fiscal responsibility and efficient resource allocation.

According to a survey by the Center for Democracy and Technology (CDT), 57% of special education teachers used AI to develop IEPs in the 2024-25 school year, up from 39% the previous year. While the CDT warns of potential risks associated with AI, research from institutions like the University of Virginia (UVA) and the University of Central Florida (UCF) suggests that AI, when used appropriately, can enhance the quality of IEPs and improve student outcomes.

Critics on the left may express concerns about equity and access, but conservatives argue that AI can actually level the playing field by providing teachers with tools to better individualize instruction and address the unique needs of each student. This individualized approach aligns with the conservative emphasis on personal responsibility and parental choice.

Olivia Coleman, a researcher at UCF, highlights the importance of face time between students and teachers, and AI can free up teachers' time to focus on this crucial interaction. By reducing the administrative burden, AI can empower teachers to be more effective and responsive to the needs of their students.

The Trump administration's delay of a rule aimed at improving disability access in schools may have inadvertently created an environment where teachers are more open to exploring innovative solutions like AI. By reducing regulatory burdens, policymakers can encourage experimentation and innovation in education.