# Schools Test AI with Little Evidence > Schools experiment with AI chatbots but lack clear policies or proof of success. - Title: Schools Test AI with Little Evidence · NPR | Shortify - Summary: Schools experiment with AI chatbots but lack clear policies or proof of success. Schools are testing AI tools like Jordan, a social-emotional chatbot, but… - Keywords: school, dayton, schoolai, jordan, seahawks, nfl, education, chatbot, student, social-emotional, ai chatbot, Schools - Source: NPR — https://npr.org/2026/09/28/nx-s1-5759718/ai-schools-experiment-research - Published: 2026-09-28T00:00:00+00:00 - Read time: 1 min - Topics: ai, school, dayton, schoolai, jordan, seahawks, nfl, education, chatbot, student, social-emotional, ai chatbot ## Dayton students use Jordan chatbot Dayton Public Schools students use a social-emotional learning chatbot named Jordan to discuss feelings. > Lately, I've been feeling like what's the point of any of this? I'm not failing. I just don't care. You ever feel like that? ## Jordan chatbot's role Jordan presents as angsty, asking students for advice and grading responses for engagement and authenticity. > Jordan's a little whiner, but I always help him out ## Dayton's AI investment Dayton schools paid SchoolAI $72,600 last academic year for AI tools including Jordan. > Dayton Public Schools paid SchoolAI $72,600 last academic year for multiple AI tools ## Jordan's purpose School administrators designed Jordan to help students open up about emotions for school therapists. > District leaders said they wanted to see whether Jordan could help students open up about their emotions ## AI in schools nationwide Schools across the U.S. use AI for lesson plans, student progress tracking, and chatbots for feedback. > Teachers are using it to develop lesson plans; special educators are using it to track student progress ## Limited research on AI A Stanford University review found limited research on how schools can use AI safely and effectively. > According to that report, some of the existing studies suggest that carefully designed AI tools show more promise than general-purpose chatbots ## Measuring AI success Schools struggle to measure AI's impact on learning and student well-being. > There are so many questions. This is bigger than individual schools, even individual districts can figure out on their own ## Dayton's AI renewal Dayton renewed its contract with SchoolAI for $78,650 for the current school year. > The district also renewed its contract with SchoolAI at a cost of $78,650 for the current school year ## Wichita's cautious approach Wichita Public Schools introduce AI tools gradually, starting with early grades and expanding to high school. > In the earlier grade levels, students don't have access to chatbots, but they do learn about the technology ## Salamanca's AI pause Salamanca City Central School District paused its AI robot pilot after community backlash. > By the end of July, the district had put the Sally plan on hold ## AI risks for students Experts warn AI could harm students by reducing critical thinking and social skills. > I don't think you should just sort of wildly experiment, especially with really marginalized communities ## Schools ban AI tools New York City and Los Angeles Unified School Districts ban student AI use for younger students. > New York City Public Schools issued a one-year ban on student-facing AI beginning this school year ## AI's future in schools Schools continue AI experiments with caution while preparing for future challenges. > We are still going ahead with caution but with optimism with our students because it is something that is going to impact their lives ## What's next for AI in schools Schools will need clear policies and evidence to safely implement AI tools without harming students. > If we really close off AI experimentation, if we prevent kids from learning about AI, learning how to use it really well ## Key takeaway Schools are testing AI tools like Jordan, a social-emotional chatbot, but face challenges measuring effectiveness and privacy concerns.