Every Massachusetts teenager is already using artificial intelligence, whether it's for homework help, social media, or college applications. But right now, our schools aren't required to teach a single lesson on how AI actually works, how to use it responsibly, or how to protect personal information online.

A state advisory group, the Statewide Graduation Council, has already recommended that Massachusetts require an AI and digital literacy module before students can graduate. The plan would teach students how to think critically about AI-generated content, spot credible sources versus misinformation, understand data privacy, and respect copyright and intellectual property rules. This isn't about banning AI in classrooms. It's about making sure every student, not just those in well-funded districts like Boston, graduates knowing how to use it safely and ethically.

Right now, this requirement is only a recommendation. The Massachusetts Legislature and the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education still have to act to make it official, and without public pressure, it could stall for years while students graduate unprepared.

This is a rare chance for common ground. Whether you supported or opposed ending the MCAS testing requirement, nobody wants Massachusetts kids entering the workforce or college without basic AI literacy. Employers want it. Teachers want it. Parents want it.

Sign this petition to urge the Massachusetts Legislature and the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education to formally adopt the AI and digital literacy graduation requirement, before another class of students graduates without the skills they'll need.