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All Things AI .
Categories: AI in Schools - AI in Government - Train for AI - AI Consulting Services - Generative AI - AI Literacy - AI Ethics
“HIPAA doesn’t apply to public schools.” That statement is technically correct, and dangerously misleading.
For years, the education sector has operated on the belief that FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act) is the only law that matters when it comes to student data. And for much of the traditional classroom environment, that’s true. But the moment health-related services intersect with educational technology—whether through telehealth platforms, mental health apps, or digital IEP tools the ground shifts. Suddenly, the boundary between FERPA and HIPAA isn’t just academic. It’s operational, legal, and reputational.
Schools Don’t Just Buy Software. They Buy Trust.
The best product doesn’t always win. In fact, in K–12, it often doesn’t. You can have the cleanest UI, the sharpest onboarding flow, and the most impressive AI feature set in your category AND still get dropped in procurement. Not because of price. Not because of a competitor’s edge. But because the District couldn’t say yes with confidence. They couldn’t explain your AI use to their superintendent. They couldn’t get your DPA past legal in under six weeks. They couldn’t bet their district’s reputation on a product that might be compliant. And so, they passed. Not because they didn’t like you but because you didn’t feel safe enough to approve. In K–12, Trust Isn’t the Last Thing. It’s the First.
Your AI Feature Isn’t the Problem. The Trust Gap Is.
AI is everywhere in EdTech—automated feedback, adaptive learning paths, grading support, and content generation. If you’re building smart, AI-powered tools for K–12, you’re in the right race. But many vendors hit the same wall: enthusiastic interest from district leaders, then a long stall… or silence. The reason? Your product is technically impressive, but governance blind.
The Future of Work Starts Here: Navigating AI Ethics in K–12 Education
Generative AI is already transforming how students learn, how teachers teach, and how schools operate. From AI-powered tutoring tools to real-time feedback and personalized content creation, the integration of AI in education is accelerating. But along with this transformation comes a pressing need to confront the ethical questions AI raises, especially as the classroom increasingly becomes the training ground for the future of work.
Congratulations to the 2025 EDSAFE AI Alliance Catalyst Fellows!
Huge congratulations to all the newly selected Catalyst Fellows! We’re inspired by your dedication to innovation, collaboration, and making a real impact in your fields. Your commitment to pushing boundaries and driving positive change is what makes this program so special. We can’t wait to see the leadership and growth you’ll achieve as you work together to forge new paths. Here’s to each of you—may this fellowship be a milestone on a journey filled with success, community, and transformative ideas. Keep raising the bar!
Exciting news to share! I have been selected as a 2025 EDSAFE AI Alliance Catalyst Fellow!
Exciting news to share! I’ve been selected as a 2025 EDSAFE AI Alliance Catalyst Fellow! Can’t wait to get started reimagining education as a learning system enabled by AI.
The AI Catalyst Fellowship is a year-long program that supports exceptional and impact-minded individuals by providing an outstanding platform to learn and work on questions of AI in education. Fellows have the opportunity to work with world-renowned experts in AI safety, ethics, and policy. They also participate in a rigorous seminar series, where they learn about the latest advances in AI research and discuss the potential impacts of AI on education and society.