The Legislative Oversight Subcommittee of the South Carolina Senate convened on April 30, 2025, to discuss various educational initiatives and the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in schools. The meeting focused on the potential of AI to support students who are falling behind, with one member inquiring about existing school districts utilizing AI for individualized tutoring. The response indicated that there are indeed districts employing such technologies, and the committee expressed a willingness to facilitate connections for further discussions.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the importance of a newly implemented dashboard, which was described as vital for tracking educational progress. The committee emphasized the positive impact of recent legislative changes, particularly the science of reading initiative, which introduced intentional retention strategies aimed at improving student outcomes. This approach has reportedly led to increased reading scores, and there are hopes that similar strategies will enhance math performance through the Palmetto Math project.

The discussion also highlighted the roles of the Education Oversight Committee and the State Department of Education in enforcing educational policies and measuring their effectiveness. The committee acknowledged the importance of having dedicated personnel to gather and analyze educational data, which is crucial for the state's ongoing progress in education.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the commitment to leveraging technology and data-driven strategies to improve educational outcomes in South Carolina, with a focus on supporting students and enhancing teaching methodologies. The committee plans to continue exploring innovative solutions and monitoring their effectiveness in the coming months.