Educators explore AI tutoring tools to enhance student support and retention strategies

The Government Efficiency and Legislative Oversight Committee's Education and Cultural Affairs Subcommittee convened on May 6, 2025, to discuss advancements in educational services and the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in schools. The meeting focused on the potential of AI to provide individualized tutoring for students who may be falling behind, thereby supporting full-time educators as demand for educational services increases.

A committee member inquired about existing school districts utilizing AI for tutoring purposes and expressed interest in connecting with those districts to gather insights on their experiences. The response indicated that there are indeed districts employing such technologies, and the committee would facilitate connections to share best practices.

The discussion also highlighted the importance of a data dashboard for tracking educational progress, emphasizing its potential to reveal significant insights into student performance. The committee reiterated the necessity of intentional retention strategies in education, particularly following the implementation of the science of reading initiative. This initiative has reportedly led to improved reading scores, and similar expectations were set for the Palmetto Math project aimed at enhancing math education.

The meeting underscored the collaborative relationship between the Education Oversight Committee and the State Department of Education, with the former responsible for policy enforcement and the latter for implementation. This partnership is crucial for ensuring that educational policies are effectively measured and adjusted based on data-driven insights.

In conclusion, the subcommittee's discussions reflected a commitment to leveraging technology and data to enhance educational outcomes in South Carolina, with plans for continued collaboration and evaluation of educational strategies moving forward.