Journal of Educational Leadership in Action

Exploring Rural School Principals’ Perceptions of Artificial Intelligence for Implementation and Challenges in PK-12 Schools

Patrick D. Hales, South Dakota State UniversityFollow
Hamada Elfarargy, South Dakota State University
Tony Durr, South Dakota State University

Abstract

This paper explores the perceptions of rural school principals in South Dakota regarding the implementation and challenges of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in PK-12 education, aiming to understand their familiarity with AI, considerations for integrating it into student learning, and perceived obstacles. Using a concurrent triangulation mixed methods design, the study combines quantitative data from a survey of 46 rural school principals with qualitative insights from open-ended responses. The findings reveal a significant gap in AI usage among rural principals, emphasizing the need for targeted professional development and increased AI literacy. Ethical considerations are crucial, with principals highlighting the importance of teaching students about AI's ethical implications. Key challenges identified include potential student cheating, the need for suitable curriculum and best practice examples, and the requirement for robust infrastructure and training. Despite these concerns, principals recognize AI's potential to enhance educational practices and administrative efficiency. However, the research is limited to rural South Dakota, which may not represent other regions, suggesting that future studies should expand geographically and include diverse samples to explore the longitudinal impacts of AI integration in rural schools. The practical implications point to the need for comprehensive AI training for educators, the creation of ethical guidelines, and ensuring equitable AI resource access in rural areas. These steps are essential for harnessing AI's potential while mitigating challenges, making this paper a valuable resource for educators, policymakers, and stakeholders supporting AI adoption in similar contexts.

Recommended Citation

Hales, Patrick D.; Elfarargy, Hamada; and Durr, Tony (2025) "Exploring Rural School Principals’ Perceptions of Artificial Intelligence for Implementation and Challenges in PK-12 Schools," Journal of Educational Leadership in Action: Vol. 9: Iss. 3, Article 3.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.62608/2164-1102.1171
Available at: https://digitalcommons.lindenwood.edu/ela/vol9/iss3/3