Week in Edtech 02/04/26: Brisk’s AI Curriculum Launch, Kira 2.0 LMS Expansion, Texas ESA Surge, UK $23M AI Pilot for SEND, Microsoft’s Teacher AI Push, Data Battles in Schools, and More! Feat. Karl Rectanus of Really Great Reading & Dan Meyer of Amplify

Send us Fan MailJoin hosts Alex Sarlin and Ben Kornell as they unpack a fast-moving week in education. From AI-native curriculum battles and literacy leadership shifts to voucher surges and national AI pilots reshaping special education. ✨ Episode Highlights:[00:01:48] ASU+GSV preview and the expanding global EdTech ecosystem[00:06:25] The 2026 EdTech AI Map launches with 240+ companies[00:07:14] Brisk introduces AI-powered curriculum integration[00:09:04] The race to own the AI layer in schools[00:13:10] Data ownership becomes the key AI battleground[00:16:59] Kira 2.0 expands into a full AI-native LMS[00:21:16] Texas ESA applications surge past 61,000[00:30:20] UK launches $23M AI pilot for special needs[00:33:40] Microsoft invests in AI teacher training[00:34:59] Google expands Gemini in education[00:35:57] UX emerges as EdTech’s new advantage[00:36:43] The AI grad profile prioritizes human skills Plus, special guests:[00:38:33] Karl Rectanus, CEO of Really Great Reading, on literacy outcomes, science of reading implementation, and scaling impact [01:02:22] Dan Meyer, VP of User Growth of Amplify on AI skepticism, social AI in math classrooms, and keeping learning human-centered😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders! Follow us on our podcast, newsletter & LinkedIn here.🎉 Presenting Sponsor/s: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. 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. 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. 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.