AI Frameworks and Guidance for Education
What are AI Frameworks?
AI Frameworks are official guidance documents that outline principles, competencies and rules for using artificial intelligence safely, effectively and ethically.
In education, they can guide school leaders and teachers to make informed, consistent decisions in a variety of areas, such as using AI, in their professional context, classroom practice, data protection and professional learning.
How can they support School Leaders and Teachers?
- Familiarity with AI frameworks and regulation informs best practice, provides ethical guidance and insight into the practical next steps for safe, inclusive and effective practice.
- A variety of AI frameworks relevant to education exist, however they do not replace your professional judgement.
- These can be classed into two broad categories: Competency Frameworks for Teachers/Students and Policy/regulatory Frameworks (providing rules and guidance for public bodies as to how to evaluate and use AI systems).
- Together these documents provide a robust source of information for decision making across primary and post-primary settings.
- The AI in Schools Hub aims to signpost the most relevant AI frameworks for Irish teachers and provide insights into how they can guide your professional practice.
AI is a rapidly evolving technology and as such each framework should be treated as a living document which is likely to be updated and adapted regularly.
UNESCO – AI Competency Framework for Teachers
This outlines key competencies teachers should have in relation to the knowledge, skills, and values needed in the age of AI.
Read an overview of the AI Competency Framework for Teachers.
Download a PDF of the AI Competency Framework for Teachers.
UNESCO – AI Competency Framework for Students
This outlines student competencies in terms of how students understand, apply and create using AI systems.
Read an overview of the Framework.
Download a PDF of the Framework.
EU – Ethical Guidelines on the use of AI & Data in Teaching and Learning for Educators (2022)
Practical ethics guidance for primary/secondary educators on opportunities, risks, and responsible classroom use.
Download the Ethical Guidelines (also available as Gaeilge).
EU AI Act
This is the EU law setting risk-based rules for AI. This regulatory document describes and categorises risks in using AI for schools, Educational Technology vendors, and public bodies.
Download a PDF of the EU AI Act.
Ireland – Guidelines for the Responsible Use of AI in the Public Service (May 2025)
Official guidance for Irish public bodies, governance, risk, procurement, compliance.
Download a PDF of the Guidelines.
