More Than 50 Experts From 22 States Engage Nearly 60 Congressional Offices to Advocate for Education Policies on AI, Cybersecurity, E-Rate, and More

Washington, D.C. (April 30, 2026) — More than 50 education technology leaders from school districts and state education agencies across 22 states gathered today on Capitol Hill to engage policymakers on federal policy and investment priorities that support the safe, responsible, and effective use of education technology in K-12 classrooms. In meetings with nearly 60 congressional offices, participants shared educator-led recommendations focused on strengthening learning, protecting students online, and preserving local decision-making in implementing education technology.

The day started with a training session featuring leaders from the U.S. Department of Education, the Senate Commerce Committee Subcommittee on Telecommunications and Media, and the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, followed by congressional meetings throughout the afternoon. Throughout the day, participants discussed how federal policymakers can support local communities in using education technology to enhance teaching and learning, including issues related to broadband funding, digital learning access, privacy, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and screen time in K-12 schools.

Key Policy Priorities for the 119th Congress: 

  • Protect and Expand School Connectivity Through E-Rate

Ninety-nine percent (99%) of public school students and 45% of private school students rely on internet connectivity made possible by E-Rate, making maintaining E-Rate a top priority for education technology leaders. Other priorities include permanently expanding E-Rate to support cybersecurity and restoring funding for school bus and mobile Wi-Fi access for learning.

  • Support Digital Learning Through Title II–A and Title IV–A of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA)

Advocates urged Congress to provide at least $2.3 billion for ESEA Title II-A and at least $1.6 billion for Title IV-A to help ensure widespread access to high-quality professional learning; prepare educators for the future of learning; support local flexibility and innovation; and modernize digital learning environments.

  • Strengthen Cybersecurity in K-12 Education

Federal coordination and investment are essential to help schools integrate cybersecurity into emergency planning. Key priorities include restoring and strengthening Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) support for K-12 education; staffing the Office of Education Technology (OET) and restoring the K-12 Cybersecurity Government Coordinating Council; and increasing federal investments in school cybersecurity, including expanding the cyber workforce.

  • Safeguard Student Data Privacy

Federal laws such as the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), along with more than 100 new state student privacy laws enacted in recent years, provide a strong foundation for protecting student data. Advocates underscored the need to strengthen federal student data privacy technical assistance; build educator, student, and family awareness of privacy best practices; enable the responsible use of data to support learning; and promote continuous improvement and modernization.

  • Advance Responsible AI Use

Given the growing role of AI in classrooms, from adaptive learning tools and tutoring systems to literacy tools and school safety, advocates urged Congress to promote safe and effective AI use at the local level; invest in educator capacity and research; and safeguard student rights and data privacy, while avoiding premature restrictions that could limit innovation or exacerbate inequities.

  • Distinguish Educational Screen Time and Empower Local Decision–Making

Educational technology — distinct from consumer technology — is guided by state standards, district policies, educator expertise, and family engagement. Advocates urged policymakers to help make this important distinction; continue to invest in broadband and connected device access for all communities; and preserve local decision-making authority.

“EdTech Advocacy Day is an important chance for federal policymakers to hear directly from educators and education technology experts,” said Keith Krueger, CEO of CoSN. “This year, leaders from across the country emphasized the importance of policies that strengthen learning, safeguard students, and empower districts to implement education technology that best fits local needs and expectations.”

“EdTech Advocacy Day is an important opportunity for policymakers to hear directly from educators about what’s actually happening in classrooms when it comes to using tech for learning,” said Richard Culatta, CEO of ISTE+ASCD. “At a moment when there is a lot of noise about how much tech to use in schools, our community members showed up with an important reminder: the focus should be on ensuring screen value not setting arbitrary limits on screen time. Age-appropriate technologies that encourage creativity and curiosity should not be banned when used under the guidance of competent educators.”

“As conversations around AI and digital learning accelerate, the focus must shift from tools to systems,” said Julia Fallon, Executive Director of SETDA. “State education agencies are building the conditions for safe, effective, and accessible use at scale. Federal policy plays a critical role, but it must align with the realities of implementation across states and districts.”

“SIIA is proud to stand alongside CoSN, SETDA, and ISTE to provide a unified voice for the transformative power of educational technology in our nation’s schools,” said Sara Kloek, Vice President of Education and Youth Policy, Software & Information Industry Association (SIIA). “By bringing together education leaders and the technologists that support them, we offer Congress a complete picture of how federal investments in AI, cybersecurity, digital privacy, and evidence-based tools directly impact student achievement. This partnership is essential to ensuring that federal policy secures a future where every learner has access to safe, equitable, and future-ready digital environments.”

EdTech Advocacy Day reflects a shared commitment to federal policies that support effective digital learning in K-12 schools. Participants emphasized that education technology is effective when it is centered on learning, students are protected online, and transparent, local decision-making guides implementation.

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About CoSN
CoSN, the world-class professional association for K-12 education technology leaders, stands at the forefront of education innovation. We are driven by a mission to equip current and aspiring K-12 education technology leaders, their teams, and school districts with the community, knowledge, and professional development they need to cultivate engaging learning environments. Our vision is rooted in a future where every learner reaches their unique potential, guided by our community. CoSN represents over 13 million students and continues to grow as a powerful and influential voice in K-12 education. www.cosn.org

About ISTE+ASCD
In 2023, ISTE and ASCD merged to create a unified organization dedicated to ensuring every student has an amazing learning experience every day. Today, ISTE+ASCD is the largest innovation-focused education non-profit worldwide, serving over a million educators in every US state and over 100 countries around the world. ISTE+ASCD offers inspiring events, professional certifications, dynamic member communities, and innovative thought leadership to help educators create transformational learning experiences.

About SETDA
SETDA is the principal association representing U.S. state and territorial educational technology and digital learning leaders. Through a broad array of programs and advocacy, SETDA builds member capacity and engages partners to empower the education community in leveraging technology for learning, teaching, and school operations. For more information, visit setda.org or follow SETDA on LinkedIn.

About Software & Information Industry Association (SIIA)

SIIA is an umbrella association representing nearly 400 technology, data and media companies and associations globally. Industry leaders work through SIIA’s divisions to address issues and challenges that impact their industry segments with the goal of driving innovation and growth for the industry and each member company. This is accomplished through in-person and online business development opportunities, peer networking, corporate education, intellectual property protection and government relations. For more information, visit www.siia.net.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

For CoSN: Makenzie Carlin, mcarlin@fratelli.com
For ISTE+ASCD: Thomas Rodgers, media@iste.org
For SETDA: SETDA Communications, media@setda.org
For SIIA: Pam Golden, pam@glapr.com