A global coalition spearheaded by the European Union has released a draft framework aimed at equipping primary and secondary students with essential artificial intelligence (AI) literacy skills. 

Developed with support from the OECD, Code.org and experts from seven countries, including the U.S., the 43-page document outlines how to teach technical, ethical and human-centric aspects of AI.

The framework emphasizes three core pillars: understanding AI’s technical foundations, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving, and addressing the ethical implications of AI use. It also introduces four domains of AI literacy — engaging with AI, creating with AI, managing AI and designing AI — each paired with age-appropriate lesson plans.

For example, students might explore how social media algorithms spread misinformation, debate when AI is appropriate for certain tasks or examine how AI-generated art differs from human creativity.

“Students don’t need to be AI engineers to design AI,” said Cathy Adams, a contributing expert from the University of Alberta. “Even simple explorations can help them understand their power to shape technology.”

The EU invites educators and stakeholders to provide feedback before the final framework is released in 24 languages next year.