https://edtechmagazine.com/k12/ en https://edtechmagazine.com/k12/article/2026/11/after-cyber-incident-ires-get-k-12-schools-back-track K–12 districts have become an enticing target for cybercriminals. After all, school systems carry a lot of sensitive data, and many are working with limited cybersecurity budgets. Last year, half of K–12 schools experienced a cyber incident, and more than 3 in 10 of those incidents interrupted operations. Districts re-evaluating their approach to cybersecurity should look closely at their backup strategy, because cybercriminals are more likely to target those systems during a ransomware attack. With that in mind, K–12 IT teams are turning to isolated recovery environments (IREs) as a key… Mon, 09 Nov 2026 13:27:16 -0500 Teta Alim https://edtechmagazine.com/k12/article/2026/11/after-cyber-incident-ires-get-k-12-schools-back-track https://edtechmagazine.com/k12/article/2026/11/national-ai-research-report-covers-how-tools-are-used-classrooms In the last few years, artificial intelligence has permeated nearly every industry, and K–12 education is no exception. Hanover Research set out to discover exactly how students and educators are using AI in the classroom. The firm found that while AI use is increasingly common in schools, there are major gaps in guidance, appropriate use and training. In its K–12 AI Integration Trends report, Hanover shared the survey’s findings, along with recommendations for districts to evaluate and manage their own AI use. “As AI use becomes more prevalent in K–12 education, leaders cannot afford to make… Thu, 05 Nov 2026 14:35:54 -0500 Kellie Escoto https://edtechmagazine.com/k12/article/2026/11/national-ai-research-report-covers-how-tools-are-used-classrooms https://edtechmagazine.com/k12/article/2026/11/writing-and-updating-k-12-ai-use-policies-meet-moment-perfcon As many K–12 schools shift their artificial intelligence use from simple chatbots to more sophisticated agentic tools, AI policy for schools is not keeping pace. While 8 in 10 K–12 districts have adopted an AI policy, it remains difficult to keep up to date with the technology’s continuing innovation. “The models now change on a cadence of weeks, not months or years, and district policy changes much more slowly,” explains Scott Beebe, deputy superintendent of learning and technology at Lake Washington School District (LWSD) in Redmond, Wash. “What looked like a promising opportunity two years… Wed, 04 Nov 2026 13:52:12 -0500 Alexander Slagg https://edtechmagazine.com/k12/article/2026/11/writing-and-updating-k-12-ai-use-policies-meet-moment-perfcon https://edtechmagazine.com/k12/article/2026/11/4-critical-security-considerations-ai-k-12-schools In K–12 districts, generative artificial intelligence is changing the way everyone works. Administrators use the tools to streamline workflows, teachers customize lessons for individual students’ needs, and students brainstorm ways to tackle an assignment. But as AI innovation and adoption grows, so do the risks. K–12 districts manage a lot of sensitive student data and staff. Without the right guardrails in place, AI systems can expose this information or violate compliance standards built to protect children, putting districts at risk for legal fallout and loss of trust among parents and… Mon, 02 Nov 2026 13:20:04 -0500 Jessica E. Bright, Steve Thamasett https://edtechmagazine.com/k12/article/2026/11/4-critical-security-considerations-ai-k-12-schools https://edtechmagazine.com/k12/article/2026/10/what-do-cyber-insurance-carriers-require-k-12-districts-perfcon For many K–12 schools and districts, cybersecurity insurance has become a common safeguard. The Center for Internet Security reports that 74% of K–12 organizations have purchased a cyber insurance policy. These policies protect organizations from the financial fallout of data breaches, phishing, ransomware and other cyberattacks.  Insurers typically ask that schools have a range of protections in place to reduce their risk of a successful attack — yet cyber incidents in schools continue to escalate. So where is the disconnect, and what can K–12 districts do to ensure true cyber… Fri, 30 Oct 2026 15:54:05 -0400 Adam Stone https://edtechmagazine.com/k12/article/2026/10/what-do-cyber-insurance-carriers-require-k-12-districts-perfcon https://edtechmagazine.com/k12/article/2026/10/how-k-12-districts-can-achieve-advanced-cybersecurity-maturity K–12 districts are increasingly pressured to strengthen their cybersecurity while maintaining agility and cost-efficiency. School IT leaders must move beyond reactive defense and toward operationalized maturity, creating systems that are resilient, scalable and audit-ready. Using guidance from the National Institute of Standards and Technology Cybersecurity Framework and FINRA’s cybersecurity practices, enterprise-grade security principles can be adapted for use by K–12 security leaders. This includes advanced zero-trust implementation and integrating endpoint detection and… Wed, 28 Oct 2026 11:47:53 -0400 Nathan Eddy https://edtechmagazine.com/k12/article/2026/10/how-k-12-districts-can-achieve-advanced-cybersecurity-maturity https://edtechmagazine.com/k12/media/video/watch-learn-new-york-charter-school-adopts-smart-building-technology New World Preparatory charter school on Staten Island, N.Y., serves 840 K–8 students across two campuses. Construction of a new main campus was completed in March 2026 and includes a robust networking infrastructure built from the ground up.  A Power over Ethernet system connects the smart building technologies designed to keep students and teachers healthy and happy. Smart lighting, air quality sensors and a large plant wall contribute to the building’s overall wellness functions. The system is also constantly collecting data, allowing it to adapt to changing conditions and helping… Tue, 27 Oct 2026 11:28:42 -0400 https://edtechmagazine.com/k12/media/video/watch-learn-new-york-charter-school-adopts-smart-building-technology https://edtechmagazine.com/k12/article/2026/10/how-it-teams-ensure-modern-classroom-tools-are-safe It’s a scenario every K–12 IT leader knows well. A teacher discovers a new tool they’re excited about, whether it’s an artificial intelligence platform or a new software application, and wants to use it in their classroom. They then come to the IT team and ask whether they can use it.  This question often doesn’t have a simple answer. Answering it means evaluating the vendor’s security posture, assessing the data privacy risk, ensuring regulatory compliance and determining the instructional value of the tool. IT leaders exist to enable learning by putting powerful tools in the hands of… Mon, 26 Oct 2026 15:56:18 -0400 Amy McIntosh https://edtechmagazine.com/k12/article/2026/10/how-it-teams-ensure-modern-classroom-tools-are-safe https://edtechmagazine.com/k12/article/2026/10/how-k-12-districts-can-use-student-voices-guide-ed-tech-purchases Although K–12 school districts spend billions on educational technology, often students are left out of the tech buying process. But including students in procurement decisions can boost learning and ensure that the technology meets the needs of students. Recent research from ISTE+ASCD found that incorporating student input leads to more ease of use for tech tools and a “clear, intuitive user interface.” They also prefer a customized experience without flashy features, according to the organization. Alana Winnick, educational technology director and data protection officer at the Pocantico… Thu, 05 Nov 2026 12:57:46 -0500 Brian T. Horowitz https://edtechmagazine.com/k12/article/2026/10/how-k-12-districts-can-use-student-voices-guide-ed-tech-purchases https://edtechmagazine.com/k12/article/2026/10/drone-education-programs-prepare-students-future-flight When, in 2020, the principal of East Ridge High School in Lake County, Fla., considered adding an aviation pathway to the school’s career and technical education (CTE) program, she sought advice from a nearby aviator. “I thought aviation might be a stretch,” says East Ridge instructor and retired Navy captain Mark Day. Having taught engineering in the school, Day was unsure that students had the maturity and mindset for general aviation training. “It’s based on the same concepts,” Day says. “As much as 70% of drone ground school falls in with pilot school. Whether they stay in unmanned… Mon, 26 Oct 2026 17:19:40 -0400 Brad Grimes https://edtechmagazine.com/k12/article/2026/10/drone-education-programs-prepare-students-future-flight