Week in Edtech 11/4/26: Live from Google's AI for Learning Summit! Election Results, EdTech's Growing Techlash, Education Policy Shifts & More! Feat. Thoughtline and Abre
Join hosts Ben Kornell and Alex Sarlin as they unpack the latest developments in education policy, Google's AI strategy, the growing techlash, and how AI is reshaping teaching, learning, and school infrastructure.✨ Episode Highlights:[00:02:43] Education Savings Accounts gain momentum as Edtech Insiders kicks off ESA month[00:03:20] U.S. election results and what they could mean for education policy[00:05:14] State-level education policy, school choice, and the future of public education[00:09:19] Google AI for Learning Summit focuses on human intelligence and relational learning[00:10:40] Google's Guided Learning shifts AI from efficiency to improving learning outcomes[00:13:21] Google faces backlash over AI integration and school control of search[00:18:41] Edtech's growing techlash and the debate over Big Tech in education[00:22:23] Why the Edtech industry needs collaboration and evidence over competitionPlus, special guests:[00:24:02] Zach Kennelly and Kevin Moran, Co-founders of Thoughtline, on making student thinking visible, AI and assessment, and building trust between teachers and students.[00:47:34] James Stoffer, CEO of Abre, on breaking down Edtech silos, connecting district data, measuring ROI, and using AI responsibly in schools.😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders! Follow us on our podcast, newsletter & LinkedIn here.🎉 Presenting Sponsor/s:This season of Edtech Insiders is brought to you by Cooley LLP. Cooley is the go-to law firm for education and edtech innovators, offering industry-informed counsel across the 'pre-K to gray' spectrum. With a multidisciplinary approach and a powerful edtech ecosystem, Cooley helps shape the future of education. Every year, K-12 districts and higher ed institutions spend over half a trillion dollars—but most sales teams miss the signals. Starbridge tracks early signs like board minutes, budget drafts, and strategic plans, then helps you turn them into personalized outreach—fast. Win the deal before it hits the RFP stage. That’s how top edtech teams stay ahead. Innovation in preK to gray learning is powered by exceptional people. For over 15 years, EdTech companies of all sizes and stages have trusted HireEducation to find the talent that drives impact. When specific skills and experiences are mission-critical, HireEducation is a partner that delivers. Offering permanent, fractional, and executive recruitment, HireEducation knows the go-to-market talent you need. Learn more at HireEdu.com. Tuck Advisors was founded by entrepreneurs who built and sold their own companies, frustrated by other m and a firms, they created the one they wished they could have hired but couldn't find. One who understands what matters to founders and whose North Star KPI is the percentage of deals closed. If you're thinking of selling your ed tech company or buying one contact Tuck advisors now.