Aldine ISD Launches AI Tool to Boost Literacy in Dual Languages

UPDATE: Aldine Independent School District (ISD) has just announced the launch of a groundbreaking AI reading tool, Amira, designed to enhance literacy skills in both English and Spanish for students across elementary grades. This innovative program is currently being implemented at Black Elementary in Houston, and it promises to transform how children learn to read and write in two languages.

Inside a vibrant classroom, students can be seen engaging with Amira, which listens to their reading and provides instant feedback. Each child, whether reading in English or Spanish, is supported in real-time, fostering a unique learning environment where they can build confidence in both languages. Aldine ISD’s Chief Academic Officer, Faviola Cantu, emphasized the tool’s role in ensuring that every student receives personalized guidance while still benefiting from direct teacher interaction.

The program began as a pilot and has rapidly expanded to all first through fifth grade classrooms in the district after receiving overwhelmingly positive feedback. “Every student is working with Amira as their personal tutor,” Cantu stated. “If they misread a word or struggle with fluency, Amira provides immediate corrections and lessons.”

The implementation of Amira is particularly significant for Aldine ISD, a district committed to biliteracy, as it allows students to connect their home language with academic learning. Cantu highlighted, “We teach reading in both languages. Amira supports that goal, enabling students to become literate in reading, writing, and speaking in both English and Spanish.”

Teachers are leveraging the data from Amira to tailor their instruction. Each child logs in and reads at their own pace, allowing teachers to monitor progress in real-time. Ms. Olivares, a classroom teacher, explained, “It gives me tools to see where I need to work with each kid. If several students struggle with the same pattern, I can address that together without singling anyone out.”

Ten-year-old student Mia Vallejo shared her excitement about the program, noting, “What I like about Amira is that she is helping with our fluency. If we get something wrong, she is going to correct it so we learn it.” Mia, who practices Spanish at home with her grandmother, feels more confident speaking both languages, which she believes will help her in the future.

Family engagement has also surged, with parents using Amira to track their child’s learning journey. Cantu reported, “Our parents are really excited about the program because they can work with their students at home.” This involvement is creating a community of support that enhances the educational experience.

Aldine ISD has recorded significant reading gains, positioning itself as a leader in literacy education in the region. Cantu confirmed, “The growth reflects strong instruction and the added support from new tools that help students practice in a focused way.” Importantly, the district emphasizes that Amira does not replace teachers but enhances their capabilities.

As Aldine ISD continues to monitor the results, the district is committed to adjusting lessons based on teacher feedback, ensuring that this dual-language program remains effective and impactful for every student.

This development marks a significant step forward in educational technology, promising to equip students with the skills they need to thrive in a bilingual world. Stay tuned for more updates on how Aldine ISD is shaping the future of literacy education.