States push for cameras in special ed classrooms

[Mi Aniefuna, EdSurge]

View in browser     |   No. 726 |   4/9/26   |   Subscribe to this newsletter This issue is sponsored by   Generative AI has arrived in classrooms faster than most schools had time to study its implications. Over the past two years, EdSurge conducted a research project with teachers in grades 3–12 to understand how educators are responding to this shift. While many teachers are experimenting with AI to streamline administrative work, the instructional use case remains unclear.   Through interviews and teaching and learning circles with educators across the country, the Teaching Tech project examined where AI is showing promise, where uncertainty remains and what skills may best prepare students for a rapidly changing technological landscape.    Explore the six stories from the Teaching Tech research project:   Teaching Through the Latest Industrial Revolution   Prohibition Didn’t Stop Alcohol Use. Will It Work With AI?   What Students Learned After Chatting With A 1960s Therapist-Bot   What Students Gain When Teachers — Not AI — Grade Students’ Work   The AI Use Case Question Teachers Are Still Asking  ⚡TOP READ From “Hello, World!” to AI: What Skills Actually Prepare Students for the Future? ⚡TOP READ   Help Shape the Next Phase of AI Research in Schools   Building on the insights from the Teaching Tech project, EdSurge is launching the EdSurge AI Lab, a new research initiative focused on how schools are developing policies and governance strategies for generative AI.   If you are interested in participating in research conversations, sharing how your organization is approaching AI, or receiving early updates as findings are released, add your name to the interest list.   Join the EdSurge AI Lab interest list      — Mi Aniefuna, ISTE+ASCD Senior Research Manager   📣 TOP STORIES   CAMERAS IN CLASSROOMS: More states propose installing surveillance cameras in special education classrooms. Advocates and parents alike are divided on the policy — and some believe it's focusing on the wrong problem.   INDEFINITE SCROLL: In what legal observers have called social media’s “Big Tobacco Moment,” a jury has found that Meta and Google’s social media app designs made them harmful to youth mental health. Experts tell EdSurge that the verdict will have far-reaching effects on thousands of similar cases, and that the legal tussle over liability isn’t over yet.   The following is a message from our sponsor Find. Compare. Decide.   Since 2012, educators have trusted the EdTech Index to find the most complete, reliable, and up-to-date information available for learning technology products, including quality indicators from trusted sources. Explore the EdTech Index today. LEARN MORE!   edtechindex.org   🗞️ IN OTHER NEWS   HELLO, WORLD! RESULTS ARE IN: EdSurge wrapped its research project with teachers. Drawing lessons from the coding revolution, our research suggests schools focus less on teaching specific tools and more on the underlying skills that help students understand, evaluate and innovate emerging tech. These are the skills.   Sponsored by Curriculum Associates BUILDING BETTER WRITERS: For many students, writing can feel like a leap from ideas to a finished piece. A literacy expert shares how explicit instruction, clear prompts and backward design help teachers break writing into manageable, connected steps, supporting students in developing complex, evidence-based writing without lowering expectations. 🔗 WHAT WE'RE READING   In special education, some charter schools have begun sharing resources. (WWNO)   A religious virtual school in Florida may receive money from Texas’ voucher system after it was approved through a loophole. (Government & Technology) Despite evidence that they can backfire, researchers are striving to build useful AI tutors. (The Hechinger Report) 📈 STORY IN A STAT $2.3 billion The proposed education cuts in the most recent Trump administration budget, per reporting and analysis from EdSource. The latest budget — Trump’s second this term — includes intended cuts to disability programs, English-language learner programs and teacher professional development programs. The budget is by no means final, but it shows a recommitment by the administration to its agenda to cut education spending. Despite this, experts have told the press that they expect Congress will likely keep funding relatively level.   Post a job | See all jobs   Director of Professional Development | CodeHS | Chicago, IL We’re looking for a Director of Professional Development to lead the planning, implementation, and continuous improvement of professional learning initiatives at CodeHS.   Research and Digital Literacy Teacher | The Allen-Stevenson School | New York, NY Are you a dynamic educator who loves teaching critical thinking AND academic tech skills? Allen-Stevenson, in Manhattan, wants you to reimagine research and digital literacy. Join our joyful community of curious boys and collaborative teachers.   Director, Generation AI  | ISTE+ASCD | Washington, DC (Hybrid) This grant-funded role manages the strategy, operations, and delivery of ISTE+ASCD's Generation AI program equipping educators with the knowledge and skills to integrate AI into teaching and learning. It requires on‑site work once per week.    Events See all events and meetups   ClassDojo for Districts and Canva Integration Helps Districts Control School Communications at Scale  | April 14 | Online A webinar hosted by ClassDojo for Districts and Canva for Education introducing a first-of-its-kind, native integration that allows districts to create, manage, and publish on-brand communications across every school. THANKS FOR READING   ➔ Got any feedback? We love hearing from readers. Shoot us a note, critiques, a joke — whatever you’ve got! ➔ Interested in reaching our readers? Sponsor this newsletter. EdSurge is an editorially independent project of ISTE+ASCD reporting on the powerful forces, fascinating people and innovative practices shaping teaching and learning. International Society for Technology in Education 2111 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 300, Arlington, Virginia, 22201, United States To update your email preferences or unsubscribe, click here.