When you hear “AI” and “schools” together, you might think of cheating. But according to some dedicated educators, new AI “edtech” tools are revolutionizing the public education system.
“AI and adaptive software have completely changed our classrooms, school climate, and culture. Student engagement is magnificent,” said Micah Arrott, Principal of Pease Elementary School in Odessa, Texas, during a video call from her office.
Since becoming principal in 2021, Arrott has embraced “blended learning.” Teachers use tablets with programs like Age of Learning’s My Math Academy and My Reading Academy to offer personalized instruction.
“It has really changed everything. It’s magical compared to three years ago,” Arrott explained.
Shadiana Saenz, a kindergarten teacher at Pease, added, “My Math Academy helps us reach every student where they are and how they learn best. Many don’t get what they need at home.”
Recovering from Pandemic Learning Loss
Three years ago, students were just returning to classrooms after the COVID-19 pandemic. Arrott was new to her role at the pre-K through 2nd-grade school, which has about 550 students. She faced significant challenges.
Odessa, located in one of the world’s most productive oil fields, was hit hard by a series of oil industry bankruptcies and the pandemic. Arrott had to fight to keep her primarily Hispanic and financially disadvantaged students from falling further behind.
The Texas Education Agency (TEA) gave Pease an “F” grade based on student achievement and test scores, making it harder to secure needed funding and support.
During a time of widespread struggle, new AI tech tools provided a much-needed boost.
Benefits of AI in Classrooms
“There are no classrooms where all students learn the same way or are at the same level,” said Diana Hughes, Vice President of Product Innovation and AI at Age of Learning. “Kids are all over the place when we start.”
Hughes, who has worked on the company’s ABCmouse platform for over a decade, explained that assessing each child individually and reteaching concepts as needed is key. This is where AI can make a difference.
“We introduce a concept, give them experience with it, and use games to assess their understanding,” Hughes explained. “If they get wrong answers, we provide extra feedback.”
Unlike traditional models, this approach only moves on when the student is ready. “The system goes through a loop of teaching, assessing, assisting if needed, and deciding what the student is ready for. This way, no one gets left behind, and advanced students aren’t held back.”
Age of Learning has seen success in at-risk and low-performing schools, such as Jefferson County in Tallahassee, Florida, where assessment scores improved after just 12 hours of AI-assisted learning.
Will AI Replace Teachers
At Austin’s Alpha High School, a $40,000 per year private institution, students use app-based “AI Tutors” to achieve high SAT scores, averaging 1545 out of 1600.
“AI is a great equalizer,” said MacKenzie Price, co-founder of 2hr Learning and Alpha School. “AI is infinitely patient and doesn’t care about a student’s background. It can raise the bar of what’s possible.”
At Alpha School, students spend two hours on personalized education with AI, while instructors act as supportive guides. The rest of the day is dedicated to life skills, arts, sports, and entrepreneurship.
“It has made learning a lot more fun,” said 18-year-old Peyton Price, a senior at Alpha High. She used AI to help study for her AP U.S. Government final by reworking the lyrics of Taylor Swift’s “Blank Slate.”
Peyton also uses TeachTap, a “TikTok for studying” app, which features AI-generated historical figures who interact with students. TeachTap offers free access but ranges from $20 for discounted courses to $250 for unlimited AP test prep.
“Adults often say social media is bad, but what works for my generation is finding what we enjoy and using it for education,” Peyton explained.
MacKenzie Price added, “We’re turning screen time into learning and using AI for good.”
Can AI Help Public School Students
Back in Odessa, 8-year-old Trip Galloway, an advanced student at Pease, shared his experience. “AI learning lets me excel and work more to my ability,” he said.
His mother, Savannah, noted, “Trip was bored and tuning out in school. AI learning keeps him engaged and helps him excel.”
Veteran teacher Carlton Conn-Oquendo, with 42 years at Chicago’s Hawthorne Scholastic Academy, emphasized that while AI is helpful, it can’t replace human connection. “Technology is a great tool, but it can’t replace the impact of a caring teacher.”