Education Secretary Wants 'A1' in Classrooms as Early as Kindergarten. She Means AI

While speaking at the ASU+GSV Summit on Tuesday, U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon outlined big plans for "A1" in classrooms. She meant AI.

When asked how entrepreneurs can participate in bringing tech into schools to accelerate students' learning, McMahon conceded she did not have the blueprint for the best technology answer, but said the summit attendees selling products and programs in schools is part of the path forward.

McMahon, whose $3.1 billion net worth was earned via a media empire she created with her husband, Vince, made the gaffe while referencing a school system that is aiming to make AI a part of the curriculum as early as pre-K.

"There's a school system that's gonna start making sure that first graders or even pre-Ks have A1 teaching every year," McMahon stated.

"[It] wasn't that long ago, it was we're gonna have internet in our schools. Now, let's see A1, and how can that be helpful? How can it be helpful in 1-on-1 instruction? How can it be helpful in absorbing more information for those fast learners? It can be more 1-on-1 directed," she continued. "Those are the kinds of things and innovations that I want to see continue to develop," McMahon added.

Social media users scorned McMahon for the mistake.

"From the floor of #asugsv #asugsv2024 - Department of Education Secretary Linda McMahon did indeed say 'A1' instead of 'AI'. There seems to be some confusion as to whether it happened, but I was there - and yes, she said A1, multiple times," attendee Dr. Mary Jo Madda stated in an X post the day of the event.

"This is where the United States is at. The Secretary of Education who doesn't know what AI is, because she calls it A-one, not once but twice," X user @helenmaryallen wrote.

Several also made jokes about McMahon accidentally referring to AI as a steak sauce while attending a summit about tech in schools.

"Secy of education Linda McMahon called AI A1. Ya know. The steak sauce. She's thrilled that kindergarteners are getting A1 at school now," a social media user joked.