Teachers face challenges in assessing student learning due to AI usage, survey reveals

On July 13, 2026, a survey conducted by Brett DeJager, an assistant professor of school psychology, revealed that teachers are increasingly concerned about the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on student learning. Many educators worry about the potential for academic dishonesty, as an estimated 84% of high school students reported using generative AI for schoolwork in 2025, according to the College Board.

Understanding the Concerns of Educators

In a recent study involving 303 educators from Wisconsin and an additional 132 professionals nationwide, the primary concerns identified were academic dishonesty and plagiarism. Approximately 65% of Wisconsin respondents expressed worries about these issues, while 74% of respondents from across the country shared similar sentiments. However, a deeper issue emerged regarding the ability of teachers to assess actual student learning when AI tools can quickly generate polished work.

In Wisconsin, 47% of educators indicated that the difficulty in assessing student learning due to AI usage was a significant concern. This figure rose to 53% in the national sample. As educators grapple with these challenges, they are left questioning how to accurately gauge student understanding in an era where AI can produce essays and summaries with ease.

The Impact of AI on Student Behavior and Engagement

When asked about AI's effect on student behavior, mental health, and engagement, responses varied. Among Wisconsin respondents, 29% noted an increase in student reliance on AI, while 19% cited a reduction in critical thinking skills. Nationally, these figures were 40% and 33%, respectively. This trend raises alarms about the potential long-term implications for student learning and engagement.

Teachers have historically understood that a completed assignment does not necessarily reflect a student's comprehension. With the advent of AI, this issue has become more pronounced. For example, a simple task like writing a paragraph on a story theme may yield a well-structured response generated by AI, leaving teachers uncertain about a student's actual understanding of the material.

Strategies for Educators to Adapt

While some educators have started using AI-detection tools to verify the originality of student work, these tools are not foolproof. A study highlighted that 43% of teachers reported using AI-detection apps regularly, with another 27% experimenting with them. However, false positives and negatives in these tools can complicate the assessment process.

To combat these challenges, educators are adapting their teaching strategies. Some are asking students to demonstrate their thought processes, incorporating oral components into written assignments, or assigning in-class writing tasks to gauge independent thinking. By establishing clearer assignment guidelines, teachers can better assess the objectives of each task, whether measuring writing fluency or reading comprehension.

• 65% of Wisconsin educators are concerned about academic dishonesty.
• 84% of high school students used AI for schoolwork in 2025.
• 47% of Wisconsin educators find assessing student learning difficult due to AI.
• 29% of Wisconsin respondents noted increased reliance on AI.