As artificial intelligence reshapes the way students learn, New Jersey educators are asking a critical question: what happens to foundational skills like grammar and writing?
The rise of artificial intelligence in education is no longer a prediction—it's a present-day reality. From ChatGPT helping with essay outlines to AI-powered tutors offering instant feedback, schools across New Jersey are rapidly adopting new tools to stay ahead of the curve. But while these technologies promise personalized learning and greater efficiency, some educators warn that over-reliance could undermine the very basics of communication.
“We’re seeing an incredible uptick in AI-generated content,” said Laura Reznick, a high school English teacher in Middlesex County. “But my worry is: are students still learning how to write well, or are they just learning how to prompt an algorithm?”
Since late 2023, several New Jersey school districts—from Hoboken to Cherry Hill—have launched pilot programs integrating AI into lesson planning and student assessments. Some schools are experimenting with AI-generated quizzes, automated grading systems, and virtual teaching assistants.
In March, Governor Phil Murphy’s office announced a task force to study the implications of AI on K–12 education. The group is expected to publish its recommendations this fall, but educators across the state aren’t waiting to weigh in.
“There’s potential here,” said Dr. Ravi Malhotra, an education policy expert at Rutgers. “But we need guardrails. Without thoughtful integration, you risk short-circuiting critical thinking skills.”
One surprising casualty of AI-fueled learning may be grammar. With tools now offering instant corrections, polished rewrites, and even voice-generated scripts, some students are sidestepping the learning process altogether.
“Grammar rules still matter,” said Reznick. “Knowing how to construct a sentence—understanding subject-verb agreement, proper punctuation, and parallel structure—these aren’t just academic skills. They’re life skills.”
She’s not alone in her concern. A recent informal survey of language arts teachers in Bergen County found that 68% believe grammar proficiency among students has declined in the past two years. Many pointed to spell-checkers and AI tools as contributing factors.
“AI is like a calculator for writing,” said one middle school teacher in Teaneck. “It’s helpful, but if you never learned how to add and subtract by hand, you won’t understand the math.”
Experts argue that grammar instruction needs to evolve—not disappear. Instead of rote memorization, modern teaching should emphasize grammar as a tool for clarity and persuasion, especially as students begin creating their own AI-assisted content.
For teachers, the challenge isn’t just keeping up with new tech—it’s striking the right balance. Many are choosing to teach AI literacy alongside traditional writing skills.
“We’re not anti-AI,” said Megan Lopez, a curriculum coordinator in Union County. “But we want students to understand what AI can and can’t do. A bot can suggest synonyms, but it can’t teach tone, audience awareness, or the rhythm of a good sentence.”
To that end, some educators are incorporating grammar drills into AI usage. Students may draft a paragraph with AI, then manually revise it using specific grammar lessons. Others are flipping the model—starting with student-written drafts, then using AI tools to compare and reflect.
The conversation in New Jersey mirrors debates happening nationwide. But the state’s diverse student population and strong academic standards are shaping a distinctly local response.
“We have an opportunity to lead here,” said Dr. Malhotra. “If we approach AI thoughtfully—by doubling down on human fundamentals like grammar and reasoning—we can raise a generation that doesn’t just use technology, but understands it.”
As school boards, parents, and policymakers continue to wrestle with what 21st-century education should look like, one thing is clear: grammar isn’t obsolete. In fact, it may be more important than ever.
