AI-Driven Inclusion in Romanian Preuniversity Education: A Mixed-Methods Study

This study investigates how artificial intelligence (AI) and digital transformation shape inclusion and equity in Romania's preuniversity education system. Using a sequential explanatory mixed-methods design, we surveyed 362 teachers, school leaders, and support staff across eight development regions (January-March 2025), followed by 22 semi-structured interviews with educators, students (including learners with special educational needs), counsellors, digitalization coordinators, and inspectorate representatives (April-May 2025). We introduce the Inclusive AI-Transformation Nexus for Romania (IATN-RO), which integrates four interdependent domains – Access Infrastructure, Adaptive Intelligence, Justice and Governance, and Relational Support Systems – under the principles of Agency, Accountability, and Alignment. Quantitative analysis validated two composite measures: the Inclusive Integration Index (III-RO) (α = .82–.90) and the Equity Outcomes Composite (EOC-RO) (α = .88). III-RO was strongly correlated with EOC-RO (r = .52, p < .001) and remained a significant predictor in regression models controlling for location, funding, and school level (β = .39, p < .001). AI governance maturity independently predicted equity outcomes (β = .31, p < .001), while general AI usage intensity was not significant (β = .08, p = .11). Professional Learning Ecosystems mediated the III-EOC relationship (indirect effect = 0.10, 95% CI [0.05, 0.17]), and connectivity constraints moderated implementation effects (β_interaction = −.11, p = .03). Thematic analysis revealed five recurring patterns: the centrality of human mediation, transparency as trust, co-design with students and parents, inclusive improvisation in resource-poor settings, and the negotiation of algorithmic tensions. Overall, the findings show that equity depends on institutional capacity, governance, and relational support rather than the volume of AI tools. Policy recommendations address ethics, infrastructure, teacher training, and inclusive orchestration within Romanian legislative and infrastructural realities.