New AI Literacy Framework helps schools prepare learners for the age of artificial intelligence

On 18 June, the European Commission and the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) presented an AI Literacy (AILit) Framework for primary and secondary education.

Developed with the support of international experts, including CodeAI, the framework provides a common reference for integrating AI literacy in education.

It is accompanied by practical classroom examples for primary and secondary levels, so that educators can translate AI literacy into meaningful learning experiences.

The announcement took place in Brussels during the European Digital Education Hub flagship event, Collaborate for Impact: Advancing European Digital Education and Skills which brought together 150 policymakers, educators, experts and stakeholders from across Europe.

What is AI literacy and why does it matter?

AI literacy represents the technical knowledge, durable skills, and future-ready attitudes required to thrive in a world influenced by AI. It enables learners to engage, create with, manage, and shape AI, while critically evaluating its benefits, risks and ethical implications.

Artificial intelligence is reshaping how people learn, work, communicate and make decisions. For young people to engage confidently in this changing world, education systems must prepare them to navigate AI in daily life and to use it responsibly.

AI literacy supports informed decision-making about the opportunities and risks that AI presents to individuals, community and society. This is not just about using AI tools, but also about understanding how AI works and critically evaluating its role in everyday life.

While 68% of teenagers already use AI, education systems often lack the necessary frameworks to integrate AI effectively into learning.

Key challenges include:

• lack of a shared definition of AI literacy
• inconsistent implementation across education systems
• misconceptions about AI
• and limited understanding of effective AI-supported pedagogies

Addressing these barriers can help learners use AI more creatively, ethically, and effectively.

The framework provides a common foundation for AI literacy while encouraging adaptation to different educational contexts and needs.

Who is the framework for?

• Teachers: offers insights on how AI can help students learn and on how teachers can integrate AI literacy in school curriculum
• Education leaders: gives guidance to develop AI literacy initiatives in their schools or organisations
• Policymakers: serves as practical, research-backed advice to guide policy making
• Learning designers: explains how to include AI literacy in the development of educational content and teacher training materials

What does it include?

The framework is structured around

• 4 dimensions that describe how learners engage with, create with, manage and shape AI
• 19 competences organised around knowledge, skills and attitudes
• practical sections including learner expectations, learning scenarios and classroom examples that support implementation in schools