Reuters reported on October 28, 2026, that teachers across the United States are changing how they assess students as generative AI tools become common. Instead of relying heavily on take-home essays and homework, some educators are giving students more opportunities to demonstrate their knowledge in supervised classroom settings.
In San Francisco, sixth-grade humanities teacher Tristen Chang replaced take-home essays with oral examinations. Students answer questions about literary elements such as character, plot, theme and metaphor. New York mathematics teacher Bobson Wong has reduced homework questions and increased classroom practice, asking students to explain why they prefer particular problem-solving methods. Reuters also reported contrasting research findings: a 2025 Harvard randomized trial found that a custom AI tutor improved learning gains and student engagement, while a small 2025 MIT Media Lab study suggested that people using ChatGPT to write essays did less thinking despite finishing faster.
The changes matter because a completed assignment does not necessarily show whether a student understands the material. For learners, explaining reasoning, defending interpretations and practising independently remain important skills. Teachers are also using AI to adapt reading materials and locate resources, showing that classroom responses are not limited to restricting technology.
Reuters reported that schools remain divided over AI use, with individual teachers often deciding how to respond. The article does not identify a single nationwide policy or a common approach adopted by all schools.