Leveraging Artificial Intelligence to Foster Reading Motivation Among Students of Color Struggling to Read

This study examines how Artificial Intelligence (AI) can improve reading motivation among students who experience literacy difficulties, particularly students of color facing linguistic, cultural, and systemic barriers. Despite advances in educational technology, many culturally and linguistically diverse learners remain disengaged from literacy instruction due to cognitive overload, limited personalization, and instructional misalignment. Adaptive AI systems, including intelligent tutoring systems and utility-based intelligent agents, offer potential to address these challenges by providing personalized and responsive learning experiences. When embedded in narrative centered, game-based environments, these systems can increase intrinsic motivation through storytelling and exploration. AI can adjust task difficulty in real time, reducing frustration and supporting sustained engagement. Integrating culturally responsive literacy practices with adaptive AI further affirms student’s identities, strengthens confidence, and promotes deeper engagement. Overall, the study highlights the promise of culturally responsive, adaptive AI tools in supporting equitable and motivating literacy lea