The Intersection of Policy, CTE Momentum, and AI in Education

Key Takeaways from My Conversation with Anna Edwards:

In the latest episode of the Tech in EdTech podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Anna Edwards,
co-founder and Chief Advocacy Officer of Whiteboard Advisors. Our conversation spanned a variety of pressing topics, from federal and state education policy shifts to the growing momentum of career and technical education (CTE) and the evolving role of artificial intelligence in K-12 classrooms. Here are the major takeaways from our discussion:

Federal vs. State Policy: What’s Really Changing on the Ground?

With the recent shift in political control at the federal level, many are wondering how K-12 education will be affected. Anna emphasized that while changes at the U.S. Department of Education may make headlines, the most tangible policy shifts happen at the state level. The structure of federal education funding, including programs like Title I and IDEA, is unlikely to see drastic changes. However, we can expect ongoing discussions around accountability, school choice, and potential restructuring of the Department of Education itself. For district leaders, the main concern remains funding, particularly in the wake of ESSER funds expiring.

States Leading the Way in Policy Innovation

While the federal government navigates political dynamics, states continue to drive the most impactful education policy changes. Anna highlighted several states implementing innovative approaches to accountability and student assessment. For example, states like Utah and New York are exploring ways to move beyond traditional math and ELA testing by incorporating a more holistic “portrait of a graduate” model, emphasizing critical thinking, collaboration, and resilience. Additionally, states such as Indiana and Ohio are integrating CTE and work-based learning opportunities into core student pathways, setting a precedent for how K-12 education can better align with workforce needs.

The Rising Tide of CTE and Work-Based Learning

CTE programs have gained significant momentum, with over half of the nation’s governors mentioning them in recent State of the State addresses. Anna pointed out that while large corporations like Amazon and Google often dominate discussions around work-based learning, there is a growing push to include small and mid-sized businesses in these programs. Technology is playing a crucial role in expanding CTE opportunities, especially in rural and urban districts where access has traditionally been limited. Platforms like School Links are emerging to help students explore career interests, map out academic pathways, and connect with real-world learning experiences at scale.

AI in K-12: From Student Learning to Teacher Support

Artificial intelligence continues to be a hot topic in education, and districts are still determining how best to integrate it. Initially, many schools responded to the rise of generative AI tools like ChatGPT with caution, implementing strict policies around student use. However, a shift is occurring as educators explore how AI can enhance instruction rather than replace it. AI-driven tools are helping teachers with lesson planning, assessment creation, and data analysis, ultimately saving time and improving instructional effectiveness. Meanwhile, districts are also beginning to emphasize AI literacy, ensuring students understand ethical usage and the role AI will play in future careers.

Looking Ahead: The Future of EdTech and Policy

As we move further into 2025, Anna highlighted the critical need for better data infrastructure in education. While cutting-edge tools are making waves, their effectiveness hinges on strong back-end systems that allow for seamless integration and interoperability. Additionally, with ESSER funding expiring, edtech providers must work closely with districts to navigate new funding strategies and help position their solutions as essential investments in modern education.

Our conversation underscored that while federal policies set the stage, real change happens at the state and district levels. Whether through innovative accountability measures, CTE expansion, or AI integration, education leaders must remain agile, leveraging technology and policy shifts to improve student outcomes.

Stay tuned for more insightful conversations on Tech in EdTech as we continue exploring the evolving landscape of education technology! For more information on Magic EdTech, swing by our website at www.magicedtech.com.