Kids need soft skills in the age of AI, but what does this mean for schools?

Generative AI is forcing K-12 schools to reconsider what key skills to teach students. Cavan Images via Getty Images

For the past half-century, the jobs that have commanded the greatest earnings have increasingly concentrated on knowledge work, especially in science and technology.

Now with the spread of generative artificial intelligence, that may no longer be true. Employers are beginning to report their intent to replace certain white-collar jobs with AI. This raises questions over whether the economy will need as many creative and analytic workers, such as computer programmers, or support as many entry-level knowledge economy jobs.