The wait is over. New York City Public Schools released guidance on how artificial intelligence can be used in the classroom to leverage learning and school operations.

The policy uses a "Red Light, Green Light" traffic light approach to determine what AI can and cannot do.

Red notes what AI will never be allowed to do in schools, which includes placement, discipline, eligibility, promotion and graduation. AI will not be allowed to play a role in determining special education or grading assignments. It can also not be used in counseling or behavioral monitoring.

Yellow symbolizes "proceed with caution," requiring educators to use careful judgment with adult oversight. This will pertain to student and school data and critical communications, meaning AI-generated translations cannot be used as a final draft for critical communication.

Green means "Go," and is not only approved, but encouraged use. Under this category, teachers will be able to use AI to brainstorm lesson ideas, unit planning and approaches. They can also use technology to draft materials on any topic. Human review is required before being distributed. It can also be used for scheduling and formatting non-sensitive information.

The detailed guide explains how AI tools will go through a 10-step review process called ERMA, the Enterprise Request Management Application, before they can be used in any NYC school with student data. Staff will have the ability to confirm whether the tool has been approved through a tech portal.

Even if a tool is approved, it still must meet a list of standards that include human oversight, age restrictions, reviews of AI outputs and can never use personal information.

"While there is no tool or resource in the world that can replace what our teachers bring to their classrooms every day, AI can be used as a powerful tool to make the work of our educators more efficient, giving them more time to focus on supporting our students as they develop essential critical thinking skills," said Schools Chancellor Kamar Samuels.

Not everyone is on board. More than 1,500 parents, educators and advocates, along with the AIM Coalition, signed a petition calling on the city and Mayor Zohran Mamdani to ban AI in schools for now.

"The one indisputable statement in the AI guidance released by the Department of Education today is that ‘The long-term effects on how children learn, think, and develop in the era of AI are not fully understood. No school system in the world has accounted for all the implications," they wrote in a statement.

They are now calling on the mayor to declare a moratorium on any implementation of AI while also holding in-person feedback sessions to hear concerns from the public school community.

“As we enter a new era of technology, with AI becoming increasingly integrated into our everyday lives, we are ensuring that our students are prepared - while remaining grounded in our top priority at New York City Public Schools: keeping students safe. This guidance is designed to help educators thoughtfully and responsibly navigate the use of AI in schools if they choose to use it; it is not a replacement for the love, care, and support that our educators, counselors, and staff bring every single day. Instead, it provides a clear, comprehensive framework to support safe and appropriate uses of AI while protecting student privacy and well-being.

As technology evolves, so will our approach. We look forward to close collaboration with our families and schools guided by a shared commitment to delivering high-quality, rigorous education in safe, truly integrated classrooms that prepare students for the future," Mamdani stated.

AI guidance is being rolled out in a four-phased plan through June.

Parents, educators and school leaders will have 45 days to submit feedback on the AI guidance policy until May 8.