The pace of change in K-12 education has never been faster…and it’s not slowing down.
From the rapid rise of generative AI to escalating cybersecurity threats, shifting approaches to assessment, growing workforce challenges, and the expanding role of data in decision-making, school systems across the world are navigating unprecedented complexity.
To help educators and IT professionals make sense of this moment — and move forward with confidence — CoSN is excited to announce the release of the 2026 Driving K-12 Innovation Report, in conjunction with its annual virtual Summit on Wednesday, February 4.
This year’s report reflects insights from education leaders, technologists, and practitioners across districts of all sizes and global contexts; more than 50 Advisory Board members are directly quoted in the publication. Together, they identified the most pressing Hurdles (obstacles), the most powerful Accelerators (megatrends or catalysts), and the most essential Tech Enablers (tools) shaping the future of learning.
Why This Report Matters Now More Than Ever
At the same time that schools are being asked to modernize, personalize learning, and prepare students for an AI-driven world, U.S. government leaders are increasingly questioning the role of technology in education. This national conversation makes thoughtful, evidence-informed innovation more important than ever. (And discussions about the role and value of edtech aren’t limited to the United States.)
Rather than moving away from technology altogether, this moment calls for smarter, more intentional use, grounded in ethics, safety, equity, and human-centered leadership. Our 2026 Driving K-12 Innovation Report offers districts a clear, balanced roadmap for navigating these challenges responsibly while continuing to innovate in ways that truly benefit students and communities.
We hope this report can serve not only as a guide, but also as a tool to help educators and leaders justify, support, and advance innovation within their schools and districts, even in times of uncertainty and scrutiny.
Built for Action, Not Just Awareness
The 2026 report goes beyond trend-spotting. It includes:
- Real-world case studies from districts and schools
- Practical recommendations from Advisory Board members
- Cross-topic insights to support coordinated innovation efforts
At its core, the report reinforces that technology alone doesn’t drive transformation…people and culture do. “Most importantly, the report affirms a shared truth: Technology will keep accelerating, but intentional innovation in K-12 education depends on the strength, creativity, and humanity of educators and IT leaders,” said Krueger. “This report invites you to lead that future boldly and responsibly, and together.”
Additional Resources
The report also invites you to dig deeper into a handful of detailed and/or new content sections, including:
- Bridges: This section looks at key themes that arose in our discussions and surveys. For 2026, Ethical Framework & Trust as Non-negotiables, Equity & Access Are Key, and Cultural Change > Technical Change were all areas of interest for the Advisory Board members.
- NEW! Report Summary: Jump to pages 35-36 in the report for a convenient, printable summary of the 2026 Top Topics.
The 2026 report is now available to download on CoSN’s K-12 EdTech Innovation webpage.
Special thanks to CDW Education and K-12 Insight for being the proud sponsors of the 2026 Driving K-12 Innovation project.
The recording and podcast for CoSN’s 2026 Driving K-12 Innovation Summit: Turning Challenges into Momentum for Change will be available soon on CoSN’s YouTube channel (@CoSNweb) and on The CoSN Podcast. Follow us to stay up to date on new releases and resources.
AUTHOR: Stephanie King, Writer and Communications Manager,
CoSN’s EdTech Innovations Committee and Driving K-12 Innovation
Published on February 4, 2026
CoSN is vendor neutral and does not endorse products or services. Any mention of a specific solution is for contextual purposes.
