New surveys and district data show rapid growth in AI literacy instruction across U.S. K‑12 systems: nearly eight in 10 educators report high school students receive lessons about AI, and large datasets from more than 1,000 districts reveal how students actually engage with tools in class. Districts are adopting standalone AI modules, integrating content into media literacy, and experimenting with real‑time usage monitoring. Policymakers and district leaders are wrestling with governance: bans create blind spots, while permissive adoption raises concerns about safety, privacy and equity. Webinars and national convenings are urging balanced policies that combine responsible exposure, teacher supports, and data‑driven oversight. These K‑12 choices have downstream implications for higher education admissions, academic preparedness and the expectations incoming students bring to college classrooms.