By COLLIN BREAUXArtificial intelligence–or AI for short–is becoming a common tool used by people for a variety of tasks, from generating text to creating art.
It will also now be used in Holmes County schools.
A grant award which, in part, allows for AI use with students was discussed during a Holmes District School Board meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 12. K-5 students will read to their computer, which will then give feedback and report back to the teachers with suggestions on how to support the students.
Students can use the program at home, in the classroom, and in afterschool programs.
The total grant amount for the program–called the Science of Reading Literacy and Tutoring Program or SoRT for short–is $163,620. Holmes District applied for it with the state. Holmes District is using the funds to purchase Amira for the artificial intelligence component.
The lowest performing students will have a designated time during the school day to access the program, according to Holmes District’s description of their plans. Students not reading below grade level will be given time during enrichment programs to use Amira and can also utilize it at home.
“This sounds really interesting,” School Board Vice Chair Leesa Lee said.
GARETT VALCOURT 
Staff Report 