College of Education (COE)
SCORE Grant Supports UofM Research on Ethical AI in K–12 Education
Monday, 21 September 2026 - University High School and University of Memphis researchers will explore ethical AI for K–12 problem-solving and inquiry-based learning through a SCORE grant.
The University of Memphis College of Education (COE) is continuing its work examining responsible uses of artificial intelligence in K–12 education through a new grant from the State Collaborative on Reforming Education (SCORE).
University High School, in partnership with the University of Memphis, was selected as one of nine recipients of SCORE’s AI Innovation Fund. SCORE is investing $450,000 across the nine student-centered projects, which will explore uses of AI to strengthen teaching, learning and student success across Tennessee.
The UofM project will examine how AI can be designed ethically to support problem-solving and inquiry-based learning.
Dr. Andrew Tawfik, associate professor of Instructional Design and Technology in COE’s Department of Instruction and Curriculum Leadership, is part of the interdisciplinary UofM team. He is joined by Dr. Shelbi Kuhlmann of the Institute for Intelligent Systems and Dr. Scott Vann of the Fogelman College of Business & Economics.
“We will be exploring how AI can be designed ethically to support problem-solving and inquiry-based learning,” Tawfik said.
The SCORE grant builds on related work by UofM faculty and University High School educators. Earlier this year, the group received an $18,000 grant through the AI for Tennessee initiative to explore how artificial intelligence could support seniors’ experiential learning projects and address challenges facing teachers and students in K–12 classrooms.
Although supported through a separate initiative, the new project allows UofM faculty and University High School educators to continue exploring practical and responsible uses of AI in K–12 education.