Researchers studied 19 master's-level graduate students training to teach special education, exploring how generative AI tools—software that creates text, images and other content—could support students with high-incidence disabilities (those affecting many students in schools). As the students learned more, their understanding shifted: they moved from seeing AI mainly as an admin time-saver to recognising its potential to adapt teaching to individual student needs, like a personalised tutor.
The study highlights that future special educators need skills beyond operating technology: they must understand ethics, privacy laws, and how to match AI tools to each student's specific needs. Schools must ensure human oversight to protect student data and comply with confidentiality rules like FERPA.
What changes for special education students
- Teachers will receive training in ethical AI use and data privacy, not just how to operate the tools.
- AI should be tailored to individual student needs rather than applied as a generic solution across all students.
- Schools must maintain human oversight to protect student confidentiality and comply with privacy regulations.
Before your school adopts AI for special education
- Ask your child's school what teacher training in ethical AI use and data privacy is being provided before deployment.
- Request that any AI tools used are personalised to your child's specific needs rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
- Encourage your child to think critically about AI outputs instead of accepting them without question.