A College Board report found wide educator concern that generative AI could erode students’ critical thinking and deepen dependence on tools; 89% of principals surveyed worry AI will make students reliant on technology, even as 69% of teens report regular AI use. Administrators say academic integrity and skill development are the top priorities as AI adoption rises. Higher‑education leaders and researchers recommend structured governance, faculty development, and campus‑level AI strategies to shift tools from shortcuts into learning partners. Proposals include appointing chief AI officers, clear classroom policies, and pilot programs that combine AI feedback with faculty‑led assessment to preserve learning outcomes. Generative AI refers to systems that produce text, code, images or other content from prompts; institutions must balance its pedagogical promise with risks to assessment validity and skill acquisition.