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| November 18, 2025 |
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| Edtech news for those building the future of Edtech
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| (Shinsei Motions/Getty Images) |
AI has been gaining traction in career and technical education since 2023, with educators increasingly moving from basic searches to problem-solving and instructional enhancements, Michael Connet of the Association for Career and Technical Education says. Fields such as agriculture, culinary arts, welding and health care are integrating AI tools, and CTE educators are working to reflect that in their classes. Connect explains how some classrooms are incorporating career-focused AI and learning critical-thinking skills that are necessary when using AI.
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SmartTake: Career and technical education programs are multiplying in K-12 schools. As careers in many fields are constantly evolving with AI, CTE educators need edtech that will help them keep up -- both with how AI works and hands-on examples of the way it's used in various jobs. The needs will only grow, giving edtech developers an opportunity to enhance existing programs or create new ones.
Education Week has a great series this week on AI and CTE that includes our top story, as well as:
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Teaching AI literacy to children should begin as soon as they are exposed to digital platforms, Carmalita Seitz of ISTE+ASCD and Robbie Torney of Common Sense Media say. They emphasize the importance of early education on recognizing AI-generated content, suggesting that digital literacy be integrated across curricula. Seitz highlights the need for professional development for educators to model best practices and suggests that students can actively participate in these discussions.
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| (Pixabay) |
A New York Times survey of 350 teachers nationwide found that nearly all schools now provide laptops or tablets to students -- often starting in kindergarten -- making screens a permanent fixture in classrooms. Educators cited benefits such as accessibility and digital literacy but voiced growing concern about distraction, overuse and declining attention spans, with many calling for a more balanced approach to technology in learning.
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The Iowa City Community School District is taking steps to address student aggression toward staff, particularly in elementary schools, after community members raised safety concerns. The district is analyzing data to identify patterns and solutions, focusing on special education students who are the primary source of incidents.
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A report from the Center for Democracy & Technology finds that 57% of special education teachers have used AI to help develop individualized education programs or 504 plans during the 2024-25 school year, up 18% from the previous year. The report highlights potential legal and ethical issues, including compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act.
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State policies on AI in education focus mainly on AI literacy, data privacy and academic integrity, but edtech leaders such as Imagine Learning Vice Chair Sari Factor and aiEDU CEO Alex Kotran say these policies fall short of preparing students for a rapidly evolving workforce. States such as Ohio and Tennessee have implemented legal mandates, but most rely on guidelines that fail to address the fundamental changes needed in education.
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Imagi has partnered with Lovable and OpenAI to launch a global AI coding initiative for Computer Science Education Week. The collaboration offers free access to Lovable's AI tools through the Imagi Edu platform, with OpenAI providing $1 million in credits. The program, which focuses on "vibe coding," aims to reach 100 million students worldwide and offers hands-on AI learning and creative problem-solving.
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Lockheed Martin is investing in STEM education to build a pipeline of technical talent, working with Fort Worth, Texas, officials and partnering with nonprofits such as Project Lead The Way and FIRST Robotics. The company also supports the Tarrant To & Through Partnership to help students in Tarrant County, Texas, obtain postsecondary credentials.
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Top stories from last week's newsletter
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| About ISTE Solutions Network |
| The Solutions Network a member-based community that aims to 1) connect innovative solution providers to one another to learn, explore, and share best practices, 2) engage with the ISTE/ASCD member community to gather feedback and increase the impact of high-quality learning solutions, 3) engage in thought leadership conversations and 4) provide benefits for the annual ASCD + ISTE conference, where approximately 16,000 educators, decision-makers, and vendors convene. This community is made up of edtech companies of various sizes that are interested in engaging with each other and with ISTE to discuss Edtech’s role in teaching and learning, industry trends, and solve common challenges. Members of this network can benefit from connecting with industry experts and thought leaders, as well as from gaining key buyer information and insights.
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| It's possible to understand the world from studying a leaf. ... It's also possible to travel the whole globe and learn nothing. |
Joy Harjo,
writer, poet, musician, playwright, 23rd US poet laureate
November is Native American Heritage Month |
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