Culatta: "Techlash" conversations need balance | ISTELive 26 to focus on AI, student empowerment | 3 questions that uncover teacher leadership

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Jun 26, 2026, 11:25:36 AMJun 26
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Iowa law cuts chronic absenteeism | App customizes library book recommendations
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Below is a special edition of ISTE+ASCD SmartBrief featuring content about ISTELive 26 and the 2026 ASCD Annual Conference.

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June 26, 2026
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ASCD Annual & ISTELive Conferences
 
It's that time, folks! ISTELive and ASCD Annual 2026 kick off this weekend in Orlando. SmartBrief will be there, keeping you updated on what's happening with special daily show editions. See what your peers are learning and discussing in sessions, conversations and on the exhibit floor. See you in Orlando!
 
Teamwork of children during assembly  and simulate robot with coding it for present in classroom.
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ISTE+ASCD CEO: "Techlash" conversations need balance
The CEO of ISTE+ASCD, Richard Culatta, has emphasized the need for a balanced approach to educational technology amid growing anti-tech sentiment, noting that while some believe all technology should be banned, research does not support either extreme. Culatta's comments, ahead of the ISTELive 2026 and ASCD Annual conferences, highlight the importance of quality over quantity in tech use, and the need to rebuild trust with parents and communities.

"We should not use technology everywhere, all the time in schools," said Culatta. "The research supports that. ISTE supports that, right? But limiting technology based on time is also not supported by research, and it’s harmful for kids. Should we have limits? Yes, we should, but it should be limits based on quality, not based on the clock."
Full Story: Education Week (6/25)
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ISTELive 26 to focus on AI, student empowerment
EdTech Magazine (6/22)
 
Your guide to Adobe at ISTE
Browse our full event schedule, explore the tools we'll be showcasing, discover hands-on experiences, and learn how to join a thriving community of innovative educators.
 
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Teaching and Learning
 
Study: Sustained bilingual instruction boosts outcomes
 
Study: Sustained bilingual instruction boosts outcomes
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Study: Sustained bilingual instruction boosts outcomes
A Rice University study finds that sustained bilingual instruction in early grades enhances academic performance for English learners, with students in a Texas district scoring higher in reading and math compared with those in transitional bilingual programs. The study recommends other districts tap into students' home languages, monitor student composition and communicate the benefits of bilingual education to families and staff.
Full Story: K-12 Dive (6/24)
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Students at the center of NYC high school's success
 
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Students at the center of NYC high school's success
Students at Thomas A. Edison Career and Technical Education High School in New York City are excelling in SkillsUSA competitions, thanks to their dedication and support from industry partners, says instructor Barry Roopnarine, who highlights the importance of extracurricular efforts in student success. In addition, the school's collision repair program has benefited from a $50,000 award from the Collision Repair Education Foundation, which has helped modernize the program and build industry relationships.
Full Story: BodyShop Business (6/22)
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App customizes library book recommendations for students
EdSurge (6/24)
 
Ace that with Acrobat
Student Spaces is an AI-powered study hub in Adobe Acrobat. Upload files, ask questions, and create study tools to learn and stay organized—all in one place. Access it on Acrobat web from any desktop or mobile browser.
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Transformational Leadership
 
Connection, not incentives, drives attendance
Building strong relationships and helping students feel seen is key to improving engagement and attendance, writes Doug Overton, an educator and speaker. Overton writes that simple, consistent routines that prioritize listening and connection can boost participation and academic outcomes more effectively than incentives alone, while also improving school culture and reducing burnout.
Full Story: SmartBrief/Education (6/24)
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Spark student imagination
Turn ideas into impactful projects with Adobe Express for Education. Empower students to create, collaborate, and make learning visible while building future-ready skills.
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New from ISTE+ASCD
 
Start the year knowing who's in the room
A simple note-taking system, built up over the summer, can help you connect with your most challenging students before they ever walk through the door. On the ISTE+ASCD Blog, author Mike Anderson shares a powerful strategy to prepare for the new school year.
 
3 questions that uncover teacher leadership
Feedback discussions shape how educators understand their professional influence—and what questions principals ask can make all the difference. Read more from professional learning specialist Carly Weiland Quiros on the ISTE+ASCD Blog.
Full Story: ASCD Blog (6/17)
 
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Learn how to get involved in a vibrant global network of K12 and higher ed educators and unlock exclusive learning opportunities, leadership pathways, and resources for bringing more creativity (and more student voice!) into your classroom.
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Policy Watch
 
Iowa law cuts chronic absenteeism, improves achievement
Iowa has significantly reduced chronic absenteeism following a law requiring schools to notify parents at 10% non-exempt absences, create attendance plans at 15%, and involve county attorneys at 20%. The law, which has led to a drop in absenteeism from 21.6% to 15.8%, has been supported by initiatives such as data tracking and staff training. Des Moines and Cedar Rapids have seen substantial improvements in attendance and academic performance.
Full Story: The 74 (6/22)
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Faculty Lounge
 
Study links poor teen sleep to adult health issues
Teens with irregular sleep schedules, insomnia symptoms or "social jet lag" have higher odds of poor health and hospitalization as young adults, according to a study presented at SLEEP 2026. Social jet lag at age 15 increases the likelihood of overnight hospital stays by 150% by age 22, according to the study, which underscores the importance of addressing sleep issues early to protect long-term health.
Full Story: Medscape (6/24)
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Editor's Note
 
Are you heading to Orlando?
 
Are you heading to Orlando?
(Kanoe Namahoe)
Will you be at the conference? Be sure to find me and say hi! I'd love to hear what you're learning about and seeing around the show. What inspires you? What new ideas have you gotten? Talk to me. See you there! -- Kanoe
 
 
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The days may last forever, but the years pass by in a blink; the secret to survival is actually remembering to take a deep breath every now and then and enjoy ourselves along the way.
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blogger, writer, entrepreneur
1977-2026

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