Implementers’ Use of Artificial Intelligence: An Illustration Using State Accountability Policy and School Improvement

This article examines how artificial intelligence may mediate the implementation of state accountability policies in schools, particularly principals’ interpretations of and responses to improvement mandates. Building on policy implementation research, it conceptualizes AI as a secondary mediator between formal policy language and school practice. Using accountability policy and preview school-based cases, the article shows how AI could support policy translation, resource planning, decision support, reporting, monitoring, and capacity building. It argues that AI may strengthen policy-to-practice connections and reduce workload, but also raises serious concerns about bias, surveillance, privacy, misinformation, and the erosion of professional judgment.