Proposed Priorities and Definitions-Secretary’s Supplemental Priorities and Definitions
Key claim: The Department of Education is proposing to update its discretionary grant priorities and definitions to incorporate lessons learned from fiscal year 2026 competitions and better address artificial intelligence, career pathways, and diverse learners.
Abstract
(Proposed Rule · Education Department) The Secretary proposes to amend the Notice of Final Priorities and Definitions–Secretary’s Supplemental Priorities and Definitions on Evidence-Based Literacy, Education Choice, and Returning Education to the States published in the Federal Register on September 9, 2025, the Notice of Final Priority and Definitions–Secretary’s Supplemental Priority and Definitions on Meaningful Learning Opportunities published in the Federal Register on February 12, 2026, the Notice of Final Priority and Definitions–Secretary’s Supplemental Priority and Definitions on Career Pathways and Workforce Readiness published in the Federal Register on April 13, 2026, and the Notice of Final Priority and Definitions–Secretary’s Supplemental Priority and Definitions on Advancing Artificial Intelligence in Education published in the Federal Register on April 13, 2026. The proposed amendments are needed to ensure that the U.S. Department of Education (ED, or the Department) has priorities that represent the full spectrum of learners, reflect the expertise of the Federal agencies that are active partners in our mission, and incorporate lessons learned from implementation in FY 2026 grant competitions.
Why this matters
The proposal illustrates how federal AI policy can operate through education funding priorities rather than direct regulation of technology providers. If finalized and used in grant competitions, the revisions could shape opportunities for applicants pursuing AI-related education projects and the learners those projects serve; specific effects depend on the final definitions and competition notices.