Sumner County Schools, nestled just north of Nashville, is home to over 30,000 students and a legacy of dedicated educators. Like many districts across the country, they face the challenge of ensuring every student meets or exceeds literacy standards. But what sets Sumner County apart is their innovative embrace of artificial intelligence (AI) to bridge literacy gaps and empower both teachers and students.
A Thoughtful Approach to AI in Education
Director of Schools Scott Langford, a third-generation educator, knows firsthand the importance of strong teaching and learning strategies. Rather than adopting technology for technology’s sake, the district focused on identifying specific needs—like improving English Language Arts (ELA) instruction and supporting overwhelmed teachers with actionable data.
Their solution? Integrating AI tools such as Coursemojo into ELA lessons. These tools deliver short, targeted modules that challenge students to deepen their understanding of texts while providing teachers with real-time feedback on each student’s progress. This dual approach ensures that instruction is both personalized and data-driven.
Empowering Teachers, Not Replacing Them
One of the biggest concerns among educators is the fear that AI might replace their roles. In Sumner County, the opposite has proven true. AI acts as a virtual teaching assistant, sifting through mountains of student data to highlight individual needs and suggest targeted questions. This allows teachers to spend less time on administrative tasks and more time engaging directly with students—where their expertise truly shines.
Teachers have found that AI tools help them ask better questions and provide more meaningful feedback. Newer teachers, in particular, appreciate the support as they develop their instructional skills. Importantly, the district’s clear communication and robust data privacy protocols have helped ease concerns about academic dishonesty and data security.
Personalized Support for Every Student
AI’s greatest strength in Sumner County has been its ability to personalize learning. Advanced students, who sometimes receive less individualized attention, are now challenged to think deeper and support their answers with evidence. Meanwhile, students who struggle with vocabulary or comprehension can work through concepts at their own pace, building confidence before participating in group discussions.
The results speak for themselves: benchmark assessments show steady progress in ELA performance across schools using AI tools. Both high-achieving and struggling students are making gains, and the district anticipates even greater improvements as the program expands.
Lessons Learned and Advice for Other Districts
For districts considering AI adoption, Langford’s advice is clear: start by identifying your specific needs. Whether it’s writing individualized education programs (IEPs), supporting ELA lessons, or managing complex schedules, AI can be tailored to address niche challenges.
It’s also crucial to engage with AI vendors beyond the sales pitch. Ask about their willingness to customize solutions, their process for incorporating feedback, and the training and support they offer throughout the school year. Ongoing professional development ensures that teachers and administrators can make the most of these powerful tools.
Key Takeaways
- AI can supplement—not replace—effective teaching, freeing up teachers to focus on student engagement.
- Personalized learning through AI benefits both advanced and struggling students.
- Strong data privacy protocols and clear communication are essential for successful AI integration.
- Ongoing training and support help educators maximize the impact of AI tools.
- Identifying specific needs is the first step to finding the right AI solution for your district.
Sumner County’s journey demonstrates that with thoughtful planning and a focus on student and teacher needs, AI can be a powerful ally in closing literacy gaps and building a brighter future for all learners.