Week in EdTech 10/8/25: Cell Phone Bans Sweep Schools, Federal Shutdown Hits Education, Higher Ed Faces Enrollment Crisis, ChatGPT Integrates Coursera, and More! Feat. Jim & Maurie Beasley of AIEDPro, and Stacey Brook of College Essay Advisors

Oct 17, 2025

Guest

Stacey Brook

Guest

Anna Edwards, a policy expert from Whiteboard Advisors, dives into the implications of the federal shutdown on education programs like Head Start. Jim and Maurie Beasley from AI EdPro share their insights on classroom AI pilots, emphasizing teacher adaptation and low-cost solutions for improving student outcomes. Stacey Brook of College Essay Advisors discusses the ethical use of AI in admissions essays, encouraging students to maintain their authentic voice while navigating the process. The conversation highlights pressing challenges in both K–12 and higher education.

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INSIGHT

Cell Phone Policies Shift To Default-Off

Five states enacted blanket cell phone bans and 18 prohibited phones during the school day, signaling a national policy shift.
The default is moving from always-on access to default-off in many districts and states.

INSIGHT

Shutdown Risks Education Funding And Programs

The federal shutdown threatens Education Department operations and could impact Head Start if prolonged.
Departments are preparing for a potentially 30-day disruption with pay deadlines shaping outcomes.

ADVICE

Pair Bans With Digital-Literacy Programs

Pair phone bans with digital literacy education so students learn safe, productive online habits.
Adopt tools that allow sanctioned app access (whitelisting) and block distractions when needed.

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Join hosts Alex Sarlin and Ben Kornell with guest Anna Edwards of Whiteboard Advisors as they unpack a packed week in education technology. From sweeping cell phone bans to AI reshaping classrooms and colleges, and celebrate a major milestone of 400 episodes of EdTech Insiders!

✨ Episode Highlights:
[00:00:00] States expand K–12 phone bans over mental health
[00:04:29] Federal shutdown hits Title I, Head Start, ED
[00:06:28] ICE detains superintendent, raising compliance fears
[00:13:25] Why phone bans need digital-literacy support
[00:19:25] Higher ed faces international enrollment and funding drops
[00:28:41] Harvard grade inflation reignites rigor debate
[00:32:32] States pilot graduate profiles and competency shifts
[00:38:08] ChatGPT adds apps; Coursera leads edtech uses
[00:46:20] Key state and district policy trends

Plus, special guests:
[00:46:20] Jim Beasley, Co-founder & Technology Director and Maurie Beasley, Co-founder & Educator, AIEDPro, on AI PD and classroom pilots.
[01:16:32] Stacey Brook, Founder & Chief Advisor, College Essay Advisors on College EssAI and ethical AI for essays.

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