California's National University Introduces AI Framework to Enhance Teaching and Learning Environments

In a groundbreaking initiative, the Sanford College of Education at National University, the largest provider of teaching credentials in California, has recently launched an innovative approach to adapt AI technologies in education. This framework, known as RAISE 5 (Rules for AI Scholastic Engagement), aims to regulate the integration of artificial intelligence in academic environments effectively. Its primary goal is to offer structured guidance on the appropriate use, timing, and extent of AI as a companion to teaching and learning.

Dr. Robert Lee, the dean of the Sanford College of Education, emphasized the responsibility of the institution, stating, "As the largest college of education in California and one of the largest in the nation, we have an important responsibility to test, observe, and understand the impact of AI on teaching and learning on an unparalleled scale." He noted that prospective educators must be equipped to navigate classrooms where students are already employing AI tools in their studies.

The necessities for such a framework stem from alarming statistics gathered from multiple educational surveys. A 2025 study conducted by the Digital Education Council reported that approximately 86% of students actively engage with AI in their coursework, with 54% utilizing it on a weekly basis. Furthermore, data collected in 2026 indicated that almost 70% of learners recognize AI’s incorporation into their study routines. Despite these high engagement levels, only about a quarter of U.S. higher education institutions have established formal policies on AI usage in academic settings.

Moreover, there is growing concern among educators about the potential negative consequences of AI reliance. A recent survey found that 95% of college faculty express apprehension regarding students' overreliance on AI, while 84% believe it diminishes critical thinking skills and deep engagement with educational material. This underlines the necessity for structured guidelines to ensure that AI serves as a supportive educational tool rather than a crutch that hinders cognitive development.

The RAISE 5 framework strategically classifies course assignments based on five distinct levels of AI integration. This ranges from actively encouraged usage (Level 1) to complete prohibition (Level 5). This structured approach enables both educators and students to have a clear consensus on how AI technologies can be utilized, ensuring that every participant is aligned on educational goals and practices from the outset of their assignments.

Dr. Mark Milliron, National University’s President and CEO, remarked, "AI isn't just a new tool — it's the latest evolution in a long history of technologies that have expanded our collective intelligence. Each of these innovations changed not just how we transmit knowledge but how we create it. Nevertheless, with the potential for something as dramatic as AI to reshape our educational landscape, it is imperative that we proceed with caution." He believes that RAISE 5 will assist in maintaining a focus on human judgment and growth amid rapid technological advancements.

The significance of this endeavor cannot be overstated, considering that National University enrolls nearly 6,800 graduates annually in vital professions that include teaching, nursing, cybersecurity, and mental health counseling. Each of these fields is experiencing transformative changes due to the introduction of AI technologies. As AI evolves, National University commits to revisiting and updating the RAISE 5 framework to incorporate new capabilities while ensuring that the learning integrity is preserved.

Founded in 1971 as a non-profit institution aimed at supporting non-traditional, military, and working students, National University is not just an educational institution; it is a leader in functional, relevant higher education. Offering over 150 diverse online and campus-based programs, the university is well-equipped to adapt its educational methodologies as the demands of modern professions evolve.

As the Sanford College of Education continues to pilot this framework, it hopes to set a precedent that echoes throughout other academic disciplines and potentially influences the wider landscape of K-12 education. By establishing a precedent for AI integration, National University aspires to not only enhance its educational practices but also contribute valuable insights to the broader educational ecosystem about maximizing learning outcomes in the age of artificial intelligence.