Blueprint in Action Memo: Building the Federal R&D Infrastructure for the AI Age

Federal Education R&D Policy

Report

February 2026

Downloadable Resource

This memo outlines how federal policymakers can modernize education R&D for the AI era by building coordinated infrastructure, advancing AI literacy, and strengthening the evidence base.

Download the Blueprint in Action Memo

ALI’s Blueprint in Action Memos are part of an implementation series diving deeper into the recommendations outlined in the Blueprint for the Future of the Federal Role in K-12 Education Research and Development (R&D). Developed in collaboration with InnovateEDU, the Learning Systems Leadership Network, and a task force of over 150 stakeholders in the field, the blueprint and corresponding report respond to federal changes impacting education R&D.

This memo, by Cameron Benham, Erin Mote, and Harshvardhan Upadhyaya, offers a strategic roadmap for federal policymakers to modernize the education R&D system for an AI-driven era by building coordinated infrastructure, advancing AI literacy as a core workforce skill, and investing in the tools and evidence needed to develop and scale safe, effective AI in education. It emphasizes aligning research, policy, and practice to ensure the U.S. remains competitive while equipping learners and educators to thrive in a rapidly evolving economy.

ALI conducts advocacy work thanks to financial support from the Walton Education Coalition (WEC).

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Blueprint in Action Memo: Building the Federal R&D Infrastructure for the AI Age

Downloadable Resource

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