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| October 14, 2025 |
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Fresh Intel
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| (Andriy Onufriyenko/Getty Images) |
As AI becomes more prevalent in schools, the Center for Democracy & Technology warns of heightened risks such as data breaches, ransomware, bullying, sexual harassment, deepfake incidents and problematic student-AI interactions. The survey found a direct correlation between increased AI use and the likelihood of these issues, yet many schools lack clear policies for AI, and teachers are still asking for better AI professional development. Education groups related to technology, library and civil rights -- along with the Center for Democracy & Technology -- wrote a letter on Oct. 7 to Education Secretary Linda McMahon pointing out the risks and asking that July guidance on responsible AI use be wrapped into its criteria for grants and research programs. |
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SmartTake: Potential AI risks are all over the news. These additional headlines help illustrate the breadth and depth of the concerns. Are you sure your edtech tools don't incorporate these problems? When someone asks, are you prepared to offer solutions, training or explanations to lessen the worries?
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Scanning the News
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Teachers in Luxembourg who experienced active, applied professional development for an edtech tool increased their classroom use of the platform, thanks to the PD model's collaborative planning and support, according to research. In the training, teachers examined and adapted their own teaching practices with technology as opposed to relying on short-lived tips or sample lessons that may quickly become obsolete.
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Educators should prioritize transparency around AI to help students understand how these tools work and the ethical issues they raise, write professors Douglas Fisher and Nancy Frey. They call for professional development that equips teachers to redesign assignments to promote critical thinking and data literacy, and recommend integrating AI education across subjects to prepare students for responsible use.
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New sustainability guidelines from the Consortium for School Networking and others offer practical steps to make K-12 technology purchases more cost-effective and environmentally friendly. The recommendations emphasize energy efficiency, use of recyclable materials, product durability, repairability, e-waste reduction and working with sustainable vendors. K-12 schools spent $30 billion on technology in 2024, and that's estimated to double by 2033.
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The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction has partnered with the AI Innovation Index to enhance AI literacy among students and staff. The voluntary program involves biannual surveys and self-assessments to measure the integration of AI in schools. The initiative, part of AI for Equity, aims to provide equal access to AI literacy resources, regardless of district size or funding.
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In the Schools
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Students in a San Diego County, Calif., innovation center are learning about potential careers and getting valuable experience as they delve into design-thinking with 3D design, modeling and printing to create custom devices for peers and pets with physical challenges; devise business solutions for school enterprises; or explore AI collaboratively. The Ed Tech for Good: Advancing Accessibility program, which is part of the San Diego County Office of Education's 2024 technology initiative, is scalable and eventually will reach half a million students in 42 districts.
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Several high schools and a middle school in Eugene, Ore., are piloting the Synergy eHall Pass system, which allows students to use their laptops or tablets to ask for hall passes. Administrators hope to increase student safety by setting restroom occupancy limits, preventing disruptive or otherwise inappropriate student gatherings.
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Technology Policies
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Mobile phone policies are in place at 97% of 1,000 public K-12 schools, the principals reported in a Rand study, with elementary schools more likely than middle or high schools to keep them entirely off campus. Seventy percent said the policies make for a better school climate; 67% see a drop in inappropriate use of phones; 54% note a decrease in cyberbullying; and 26% find fewer social media threats against schools.
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Companies in the News
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MagicSchool AI has promoted account executive Jeni Long to the role of solutions architect. Long brings more than 25 years of experience in education, including work as a teacher and school technology integration specialist.
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Microsoft has kicked off Elevate Washington, a program designed to bridge the AI adoption gap in public schools and community colleges. The initiative offers free access to AI learning tools, professional development and infrastructure support.
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ICYMI
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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Disclaimer
| Product announcements appearing in SmartBrief are paid advertisements and do not reflect actual ASCD + ISTE endorsements. The news reported in SmartBrief does not necessarily reflect the official position of ASCD + ISTE.
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| Standing still is the most miserable thing a dancer has to do. |
Cyd Charisse,
actor, dancer |
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