070: AI in Action: Transforming K–12 Student Support with Andrew Lawrence, PhD

In this episode of Forward Thinking Experts, Sher Downing, PhD sits down with Andrew Lawrence, PhD — Co-Founder and CTO of New Light IO — to explore how AI-driven solutions are transforming K–12 education.Andrew shares how their platform, IntelliTier, simplifies MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Supports) by unifying behavioral and academic data, improving consistency across schools, and accelerating personalized student support. The conversation dives into how AI can reduce delays in intervention, improve documentation, protect student data through FERPA compliance, and help schools move away from reactive discipline toward proactive, evidence-based strategies.They also discuss fairness in AI, ethical data use, SIS integration, and the long-term vision of leveraging large-scale insights to improve outcomes for students nationwide.If you care about student success, educational equity, and the responsible use of AI in schools, this is a must-listen conversation.Takeaways:AI helps schools identify struggling students sooner — not months later.When academic and behavior data work together, interventions get smarter.Proactive support beats reactive discipline every time.Ethical, FERPA-compliant AI is essential — not optional.The future of student success is tech-enabled but human-led.Andrew says, "My parting advice: focus on solving meaningful problems, listen to the people you serve, and ensure your technology empowers, not intimidates."Learn more about New Light IO and Andrew here:https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-r-lawrence/https://www.linkedin.com/company/neulighthttps://www.facebook.com/people/Neulight/61559694274342/https://www.instagram.com/neulight.iohttps://www.threads.net/@neulight.ioKeywords:#AIinEducation#EdTech#K12Education#StudentSuccess#PersonalizedLearning#MTSS#EducationInnovation#DigitalTransformation#FERPA#SchoolLeadership#FutureOfEducation#DataDrivenEducation