Between lightning-fast completion times and innovative state policy, FAFSA completion rates are up 12% over the Class of 2023, according to the National College Attainment Network.
A draft executive order would block states from regulating AI, despite the passage of sweeping measures to protect students from harmful AI-generated content.
"The most effective guidelines encourage critical thinking, center the human decision-making and allow for nuance," says Ken Shelton, an edtech thought leader and featured speaker at the 2026 Future of Education Technology Conference.
Shrinking budgets and rising tech demands mean districts must extend device lifecycles and streamline management to give students reliable, equitable access.
Long-time educators like NEA President Becky Pringle say "kids can't learn if they're hungry," citing concerns about the potential expiration of SNAP benefits.
The letter says that "if society can agree that alcohol, tobacco and drugs should be kept at least 1,000 feet away from our schools," then "violent DHS tools and tactics also belong on that list."
Leaving safety up to Big Tech is not enough. We witnessed what happened when social media platforms promised to self-police, and young people paid the price.
