Blog Post | May 2026
An innovative journal article from the Children’s Learning Institute (CLI) examined how Artificial Intelligence (AI) can be integrated into the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) framework. MTSS is designed to meet students’ diverse academic needs through evidence-based practices and a preventative, data-driven approach. Within this framework, educators rely on data to guide program development, refine instruction, deliver targeted interventions, and provide comprehensive supports. In their publication, the team described how AI is currently being used in PK–12 classrooms, and how it may be incorporated within and across the MTSS three-tier structure. They also addressed educators’ essential role in implementing AI tools, what educators know about and worry about regarding AI, and the ethical considerations of using AI in PK–12 settings.

To supplement this work, the research team conducted a survey of 101 early childhood education professionals participating in one of CLI’s largest programs, Texas School Ready (TSR). The purpose of the survey was to better understand educators’ familiarity with the MTSS framework, whether they currently integrate AI into their classrooms, and how they feel about the use of AI in early education.
The work of this publication has helped inform one of CLI’s most recent initiatives: the AERO AI project. Accelerated Early Reading Outcomes (AERO) is grounded in evidence-based practices and emphasizes foundational reading skills through instructional activities and routines that can be effectively administered by various tutors and teachers. Delivering AERO with fidelity is critical to ensuring positive outcomes; however, traditional fidelity-monitoring methods are resource-intensive, as they require trained observers to manually code recorded lessons. Project AERO AI is developing tools that analyze video recordings of AERO lessons, automatically detect adaptations from the lesson plan, flag segments for expert review of instructional quality, and generate tutor-friendly reports.