Tokayev Criticizes Delays in Kazakhstan School AI Rollout
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President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev criticized delays in Kazakhstan's school AI rollout at the annual August educators' conference, saying his May decree was not properly implemented ahead of the new academic year. He called for urgent measures to regulate AI use by children and teachers. The government faces a September 1 deadline to approve national AI standards and teacher training plans.
Key Facts
- Tokayev said implementation of his May decree on school AI was not properly ensured ahead of the new academic year.
- The decree required a comprehensive implementation plan by July 1 and pilot schools ready by August 1.
- National standards governing AI use in schools are due by September 1.
- A rural-school AI pilot is scheduled to begin September 1 in ten small schools in Pavlodar and Kyzylorda regions.
- UNESCO recommends a minimum age of 13 for independent use of generative AI, but Kazakhstan's decree does not specify an age threshold.
Presidential Criticism
Tokayev told the annual August educators' conference that the government had failed to properly implement his May decree on AI in schools ahead of the new academic year. He called the lack of implementation a major shortcoming and demanded urgent measures to regulate and systematize AI use by children and teachers. Tokayev did not specify which targets had been missed, but the decree set deadlines of July 1 for a comprehensive plan and August 1 for pilot schools and regional plans.
Decree Requirements and Deadlines
The May decree requires national standards governing AI use in education to be approved by September 1, covering AI-generated content, assessment, and academic integrity. It also mandates stronger protection of students' personal data and a professional development plan for teachers. AI material is due to be added to existing digital literacy and computer science courses during the 2026-27 academic year. Tokayev said AI tools are not amusing toys but a means of earning a living, framing the program as preparation for employment.
Rural Pilot and International Guidance
A separate rural-school pilot is scheduled to begin September 1 in ten small schools in the Pavlodar and Kyzylorda regions, expanding to 50 schools in November and 300 in January 2027. The pilot will test personalized learning in fourth-grade mathematics, digital literacy, native-language classes, and AI. The government sees the technology as a way to narrow the gap in educational opportunities between urban and rural schools. UNESCO recommends a minimum age of 13 for independent use of generative AI, protection of students' personal data, and teacher training. Kazakhstan's decree addresses data protection and training but does not specify an age threshold.
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Tokayev Criticizes Delays in Kazakhstan School AI Rollout
