Week in Edtech 5/27/26: AFT Reverses Course on AI, i-Ready Faces Backlash, New Federal School Choice Tax Credit, AI Remediation Gains Momentum, Anthropic Surges, and More! Feat. Noah Pickus of Duke University

Send us Fan MailJoin hosts Alex Sarlin and Ben Kornell as they discuss the growing backlash against AI and screen time in schools, the launch of a federal education tax credit, promising new evidence for AI-powered remediation, workforce disruption from AI, and the future of higher education with Noah Pickus of Duke University.✨ Episode Highlights:[00:03:40] AFT shifts its position on AI and screen time in schools[00:07:25] i-Ready faces growing parent backlash despite strong adoption and efficacy data[00:13:36] New federal Education Freedom Tax Credit could accelerate school choice and supplemental learning[00:17:46] Education savings accounts create new opportunities for edtech business models[00:20:09] New research highlights AI's potential to help students catch up academically[00:23:16] Guided practice emerges as a promising framework for AI-powered learning[00:24:56] Survey finds 99% of executives expect AI-driven workforce reductions within two years[00:31:29] Anthropic's rapid growth reshapes the competitive landscape for generative AIPlus, special guests:[00:35:39] Noah Pickus, Head of Global Strategy and Partnerships and Senior Advisor to the Provost at Duke University, on the Future Universities Alliance and reimagining higher education globally😎 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.