More Than 70 Experts From 28 States Engage in 100+ Congressional Meetings to Advocate for Education Policies on AI, Cybersecurity, E-Rate and More
Washington, D.C. (May 7, 2025) — More than 70 education technology (EdTech) experts from school districts and state education agencies across 28 states and the District of Columbia yesterday gathered on Capitol Hill to meet with policymakers regarding the future of digital learning. In a series of over 100 meetings, participants advocated for policies that will ensure every student has access to high-quality digital learning opportunities, focusing on policy recommendations across six key areas: Artificial Intelligence, E-Rate, Cybersecurity, Privacy, ESSA Title II-A and ESSA Title IV-A.
The annual advocacy event was led by the Consortium for School Networking (CoSN), the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE), the State Educational Technology Directors Association (SETDA) and the Software & Information Industry Association (SIIA).
The day began with a briefing featuring Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education Nick Moore and Representative Jay Obernolte (CA-23). Following the morning session, attendees met with the U.S. Federal Communications Commission, including staff from the offices of Chairman Brendan Carr and Commissioner Anna Gomez.
Key Policy Recommendations Shared with the 119th Congress include:
Artificial Intelligence
- Promote Safe and Effective Local AI Use
- Invest in Educator Capacity and Research
- Safeguard Student Rights and Data Privacy
E-Rate
- Maintain E-Rate
- Expand E-Rate to Support Cybersecurity
- Maintain E-Rate’s Support for Bus and Home Wi-Fi Access for Learning
Cybersecurity
- Restore and Strengthen CISA Support for K-12 Education
- Staff ED’s Office of Educational Technology (OET) and Restore the K-12 Cybersecurity Government Coordinating Council
- Increase Federal Investments in School Cybersecurity, including the Cyber Workforce
Privacy
- Strengthen Federal Privacy Resources
- Support Educator Capacity Building
- Enable the Responsible Use of Data to Support Learning
- Promote Continuous Improvement and Modernization
Title II-A
- Provide at Least $2.3 Billion for Title II-A
- Ensure Widespread Access to High-Quality Professional Learning
- Prepare Educators for the Future of Learning
Title IV-A
- Provide at Least $1.6 billion for Title IV-A
- Support Local Flexibility and Innovation
- Modernize Digital Learning Environments
“This year’s Capitol Hill fly-in was instrumental in advancing key conversations on the future of education, including E-Rate, cybersecurity and artificial intelligence. Our EdTech leaders brought their expertise to high-level discussions with congressional leaders, highlighting how informed policymaking can support student success, drive innovation and safeguard democratic values in an increasingly digital learning environment,” said Keith Krueger, CEO of CoSN.
“EdTech Advocacy Day is an important opportunity each year for policy makers to learn directly from educators about the challenges and successes they are experiencing. Our members share examples of how effective use of technology is transforming learning experiences and advocate for essential federal support needed to ensure continued success of the most impactful education programs,” said Richard Culatta, CEO of ASCD + ISTE.
“We are advocating for future-focused policies that ensure every student has the opportunity to thrive in today’s modern world,” said Julia Fallon, Executive Director of SETDA. “Universal connectivity must be recognized as essential infrastructure—high-speed internet, reliable devices, and secure learning environments. Our State EdTech Trends report shows that state leaders are prioritizing cybersecurity, digital literacy, and the responsible use of AI in schools. Federal education programs like Title II-A are critical for sustaining the professional learning needed to translate these priorities into practice. In today’s economy, digital skills are not optional—they are foundational. We must prepare all learners not just for school, but for life.”
“We were thrilled to partner with CoSN, SETDA and ISTE+ASCD for this year’s EdTech Advocacy Day. It is more important than ever for Congress to hear about how the programs they authorize and fund are actually implemented. Attendees told stories about how they are working to implement artificial intelligence in the classroom, protect student data privacy and cybersecurity, and use federal funds in responsible and efficient ways that improve student outcomes,” said Chris Mohr, President of SIIA.
As technology continues to reshape how students learn, the need for clear, forward-looking federal policy has never been greater. Congress must act swiftly on these priority issues to ensure that every student can benefit from safe, equitable and future-ready digital learning environments.
About CoSN
CoSN, the world-class professional association for K-12 EdTech 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.
About ISTE
The International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) is a nonprofit organization that works with the global education community to accelerate the use of technology to solve tough problems and inspire innovation. ISTE hosts the annual ISTE Conference & Expo, one of the world’s most influential edtech events. The organization’s professional learning offerings include online courses, professional networks, year-round academies, peer-reviewed journals, and other publications. ISTE is also the leading publisher of books focused on technology in education.
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.
About SIIA
SIIA is the principal trade association for companies in the business of information, including its aggregation, dissemination, and productive use. Our members include roughly 375 companies reflecting the broad and varied landscape of digital content providers and users in academic publishing, education technology, and financial information, along with creators of software and platforms used worldwide, and companies specializing in data analytics and information services. Our members partner with educational agencies and institutions to provide innovative digital tools for learning, school administration, academic assessment, and more.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
For CoSN: Grace Helsing, ghelsing@fratelli.com
For ISTE: Thomas Rodgers, media@iste.org
For SETDA: Jonathan Yang, jyang@setda.org
For SIIA: Pam Golden, pam@glapr.com
