Document Type
Article
Publication Date
Fall 2025
Abstract
The achievement gap between students with and without individualized education programs continues to be a concern in early childhood education. Finding strategies and interventions that help narrow this gap is important, especially when children are young and the gap is still relatively small. This inquiry-based research study explored the use of the AI tool Buddy.ai to determine whether it could support preschool-aged students with IEPs in improving early learning skills. The study also considered general education teachers’ experiences working to close the achievement gap in inclusive classrooms. A mixed-methods approach was used. Quantitative data were collected through pre- and post-assessments, and qualitative data came from teacher interviews and the researcher’s reflective journal. Results showed that Buddy.ai helped narrow the gap for students with IEPs in the areas of shape knowledge and rote counting, but not in color recognition. The study also highlighted the importance of collaboration among school staff and creating an inclusive classroom environment. Further research should examine how AI tools can be combined with teacher-led small group instruction to contribute to closing this achievement gap. Furthermore, future research should include a longitudinal study and a larger sample to improve generalizability.