The Family and Veterans' Services Committee's Child Welfare Subcommittee convened on Thursday, May 1, 2025, at 9:00 am, to discuss various educational initiatives and the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in schools. The meeting focused on enhancing educational services and addressing the needs of students who may be falling behind.

One of the key topics raised was the potential use of AI for individual tutoring in school districts. A committee member inquired about existing implementations of AI in education, expressing interest in connecting with districts that have successfully adopted such technologies. The response indicated that there are indeed school districts utilizing AI for educational support, and the committee is committed to providing further information on these examples.

The discussion also highlighted the importance of a dashboard for tracking educational progress, which was described as vital for understanding student performance. The committee emphasized the positive outcomes from recent educational reforms, particularly the implementation of the science of reading initiative, which included a structured retention plan aimed at improving reading scores. The Palmetto Math project was mentioned as a similar effort to enhance math education.

Furthermore, the committee acknowledged the role of the Education Oversight Committee in enforcing educational policies and ensuring accountability within the state’s education system. The collaboration between policy makers and data analysts was noted as crucial for driving improvements in educational opportunities for students.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the ongoing efforts to leverage technology and data in education, with a focus on supporting students' learning needs and enhancing overall educational outcomes in South Carolina. The committee plans to continue exploring innovative solutions and monitoring progress in these initiatives.