Texas public schools currently face urgent challenges: student achievement remains low (with only 37 percent of students reaching grade level on the 2025 STAAR)[1] and the teaching profession is under severe strain from staffing shortages[2] and burnout. In recognition of this landscape, education leaders are working diligently to find scalable and effective solutions to improve student outcomes and to support their teachers.
At the same time, technology is advancing at a rapid pace. Artificial Intelligence (AI) presents an unprecedented opportunity to create equity in classrooms through individualized learning. This opportunity inspired us to launch the Emerging EdTech RFA, a statewide call for applications for Texas public K–12 districts. We asked educators and leaders to share their best ideas and implementation plans for how emerging technology could help them improve student achievement, with a special focus on mathematics and literacy.
Meet Our Emerging Ed Tech Awardees
We selected nine projects that will bring bold and thoughtful ideas to life by strategically leveraging technology to improve student achievement.
Aldine ISD
Aldine will expand its use of Mojo, an AI tool that provides feedback and writing support within their existing English Language Arts curriculum. The project will serve nearly 5,000 middle schoolers and help teachers better meet students’ writing needs.
Ann Richards School
This teacher-led project will transform the Algebra 1 experience using a mix of AI tools and virtual reality. Students will learn math in a tech-rich, hands-on environment designed to build confidence and spark curiosity.
Bastrop ISD
Bastrop will use MagicSchool AI and Google Gemini to support real-time, personalized feedback for student writing. The initiative focuses on 3rd and 6th graders and includes teacher training and ongoing data collection.
Castleberry ISD
Castleberry will implement Amira Learning, an AI-powered literacy platform, to support K–3 students across three campuses. The tool listens to students read, diagnoses needs and provides real-time tutoring to improve reading fluency and comprehension, especially for bilingual and struggling readers.
Harmony Public Schools
Harmony Public Schools will use MagicSchool.AI to personalize reading and math support for students. The platform allows students to interact with AI tools and design their own learning experiences, helping them build skills and confidence while reducing teacher workload.
Mesquite ISD
Mesquite will scale its homegrown AI platform, AYO, to all 52 campuses. AYO personalizes instruction, supports social-emotional learning, and strengthens family engagement.
Trinity Basin Preparatory
Trinity Basin Prep will partner with OnYourMark Education to expand virtual, high-impact tutoring for K–2 students. The program blends live tutoring with tech tools to target early literacy development.
Round Rock ISD
Round Rock will adopt an AI writing tool to support grades 3–10. The tool will provide rubric-based feedback aligned with state assessments, helping teachers save time and students build stronger writing skills.
Venus ISD
Venus will expand its use of Curipod, an AI platform that offers instant feedback on student writing. The project builds on a local pilot and aims to improve reading and writing outcomes across grades 2–8.
Why This Matters
Improving academic achievement, and ultimately life outcomes for all young people, is our focus. Research shows that when teachers receive and use timely data, they can focus on instruction where it matters most[3]. Technology-powered tools can provide this data and feedback quickly, helping teachers efficiently and effectively identify and address gaps, and accelerate student growth.
With this effort, we hope to learn alongside our grantees. RCF will share updates, convene conversations, and help connect schools to one another. Our goal is to make sure that the lessons from these projects extend beyond the initial districts and spark new approaches in K–12 classrooms.
We congratulate the nine districts selected and look forward to walking with them as they implement, adapt, and share what they learn. Together, we can improve student achievement and ensure more young people are equipped to thrive.
[1] https://www.commitpartnership.org/insights/data-dashboards/staar-results-dashboard
[2]https://tea.texas.gov/texas-educators/educator-initiatives-and-performance/teacher-shortage-areas-2024-2025
[3] https://www.americanprogress.org/article/education-data-matter-parents-school-stakeholders/#:~:text=When%20educators%2C%20school%2C%20and%20district,to%20multiply%20two%2Ddigit%20numbers.
