Reg Leichty
@regleichty.bsky.social
Education and privacy lawyer, founding partner of Foresight Law + Policy, PLLC, Washington, D.C.
Many states released thoughtful AI education guidance not long ago, yet the pace of AI innovation and federal workforce policy suggests it may already be time for a second look. Read why here. bit.ly/4qMdcIj
AI Literacy 2.0: What the DOL’s New Workforce Lens May Mean for State Education Leaders
This summer, Workforce Pell Grants begin rolling out, expanding federal aid to short-term, high-quality workforce programs. At the same time, federal, state, and local leaders continue to push for str...
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February 17, 2026 at 3:06 PM
Many states released thoughtful AI education guidance not long ago, yet the pace of AI innovation and federal workforce policy suggests it may already be time for a second look. Read why here. bit.ly/4qMdcIj
The House Committee on Appropriations is live now with a hearing on “The Science of Reading”. Join this timely discussion on evidence-based literacy instruction and what it means for classrooms and federal education funding.
Watch live: bit.ly/4aezIDa
Watch live: bit.ly/4aezIDa
Hearing: The Science of Reading
bit.ly
February 10, 2026 at 3:16 PM
The House Committee on Appropriations is live now with a hearing on “The Science of Reading”. Join this timely discussion on evidence-based literacy instruction and what it means for classrooms and federal education funding.
Watch live: bit.ly/4aezIDa
Watch live: bit.ly/4aezIDa
New ESEA Title II guidance from USED signals greater flexibility for states & districts. The guidance encourages strategic staffing, team-based models, differentiated roles & pay, residencies, Grow Your Own programs, and job-embedded PD. Worth a read: bit.ly/45Z0gHv
U.S. Department of Education Highlights Flexibility in Federal Education Funding to Support Innovative Teacher Workforce Strategies in the States
The Department of Education sent guidance to states and districts, emphasizing existing flexibilities under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to use Title II, Part A funds to implemen...
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February 9, 2026 at 7:41 PM
New ESEA Title II guidance from USED signals greater flexibility for states & districts. The guidance encourages strategic staffing, team-based models, differentiated roles & pay, residencies, Grow Your Own programs, and job-embedded PD. Worth a read: bit.ly/45Z0gHv
Former state education chiefs warn: Don't confuse personal smartphones with instructional tech. Their op-ed argues for protecting students from distraction while preserving digital tools that support learning and workforce prep. Essential read for education leaders. bit.ly/45LAxSJ
Options: A More Balanced Conversation About Kids, Screens and Schools
Amid so many justified policies and debates concerning smartphones in classrooms, it’s important for education leaders to distinguish between distracting phones and valuable ed tech that prepares kids...
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February 4, 2026 at 5:24 PM
Former state education chiefs warn: Don't confuse personal smartphones with instructional tech. Their op-ed argues for protecting students from distraction while preserving digital tools that support learning and workforce prep. Essential read for education leaders. bit.ly/45LAxSJ
New GAO report finds knowledge gaps are the biggest barrier to assistive technology in schools. Many teachers overlook simple low-tech solutions (pencil grips, swivel chairs) for complex devices students don't need. Districts with dedicated AT teams saw real improvements. bit.ly/4qQOpDK
January 30, 2026 at 2:17 PM
New GAO report finds knowledge gaps are the biggest barrier to assistive technology in schools. Many teachers overlook simple low-tech solutions (pencil grips, swivel chairs) for complex devices students don't need. Districts with dedicated AT teams saw real improvements. bit.ly/4qQOpDK
New federal guidance on the Education Freedom Tax Credit opens a door for public school districts to establish or partner with Scholarship Granting Organizations—creating a new funding stream for tutoring, CTE, and other eligible K–12 supports. bit.ly/4aieCVN
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January 27, 2026 at 10:40 PM
New federal guidance on the Education Freedom Tax Credit opens a door for public school districts to establish or partner with Scholarship Granting Organizations—creating a new funding stream for tutoring, CTE, and other eligible K–12 supports. bit.ly/4aieCVN
New article: What governors are actually proposing for education in 2026—and what stands a chance of passing.
Based on a review of 21 State of the State addresses across red and blue states. bit.ly/4jUp1tU
Based on a review of 21 State of the State addresses across red and blue states. bit.ly/4jUp1tU
Reading the Tea Leaves: What State of the State Addresses Reveal About Education Policy in 2026
As state legislatures convene each January, governors use their State of the State addresses to lay down markers, signaling priorities, framing political debates, and previewing the fights ahead. Taki...
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January 26, 2026 at 3:51 PM
New article: What governors are actually proposing for education in 2026—and what stands a chance of passing.
Based on a review of 21 State of the State addresses across red and blue states. bit.ly/4jUp1tU
Based on a review of 21 State of the State addresses across red and blue states. bit.ly/4jUp1tU
What do governors’ State of the State addresses really tell us about education policy in 2026 and what’s just political theater? I reviewed 21 speeches and found more alignment than expected on early childhood, literacy, cell phones, and career pathways. Read more: bit.ly/4jUp1tU
Reading the Tea Leaves: What State of the State Addresses Reveal About Education Policy in 2026
As state legislatures convene each January, governors use their State of the State addresses to lay down markers, signaling priorities, framing political debates, and previewing the fights ahead. Taki...
bit.ly
January 24, 2026 at 6:23 PM
What do governors’ State of the State addresses really tell us about education policy in 2026 and what’s just political theater? I reviewed 21 speeches and found more alignment than expected on early childhood, literacy, cell phones, and career pathways. Read more: bit.ly/4jUp1tU
The House just passed a $1.2 trillion spending package, including the FY'26 Department of Education budget with robust funding for Title I ($18.4B), special ed ($15.5B), and other key programs. Includes strong Congressional oversight of interagency transfers. Senate action next week. bit.ly/45TpGWQ
bit.ly
January 22, 2026 at 10:09 PM
The House just passed a $1.2 trillion spending package, including the FY'26 Department of Education budget with robust funding for Title I ($18.4B), special ed ($15.5B), and other key programs. Includes strong Congressional oversight of interagency transfers. Senate action next week. bit.ly/45TpGWQ
📚 Join us for a book event on "Readiness" by Foresight partner Elliot Regenstein—an insider's guide to how states oversee early childhood education and how we can build better systems.
Register: flpadvisors.com/readiness.html
#EarlyChildhood #ECE #EducationPolicy
Register: flpadvisors.com/readiness.html
#EarlyChildhood #ECE #EducationPolicy
Readiness Book Events
An enlightening overview of how early childhood education and care works in the United States and practical steps for how the systems of delivery might be improved In Readiness , Elliot Regenstein...
flpadvisors.com
January 14, 2026 at 8:09 PM
📚 Join us for a book event on "Readiness" by Foresight partner Elliot Regenstein—an insider's guide to how states oversee early childhood education and how we can build better systems.
Register: flpadvisors.com/readiness.html
#EarlyChildhood #ECE #EducationPolicy
Register: flpadvisors.com/readiness.html
#EarlyChildhood #ECE #EducationPolicy
With 1.8M+ credentials available to students, how do families choose which ones truly lead to careers & economic mobility? State boards can cut through the noise by championing credential transparency—making data on employment outcomes & earnings accessible to all. bit.ly/4ps43nl
The Role of State Boards in Making Credentials’ Value Transparent
Not all credentials are created equal, so how will students and families choose?
bit.ly
January 9, 2026 at 2:31 PM
With 1.8M+ credentials available to students, how do families choose which ones truly lead to careers & economic mobility? State boards can cut through the noise by championing credential transparency—making data on employment outcomes & earnings accessible to all. bit.ly/4ps43nl
Heads up: NTIA is hosting a public listening session today (Dec 10, 12–1:30 pm ET) on screen time, ed-tech, student data, and the impacts of devices in classrooms. Join the discussion here bit.ly/48FeKOB @cosnweb.bsky.social
Kids' Excessive Screen Time Listening Session | National Telecommunications and Information Administration
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December 10, 2025 at 1:56 PM
Heads up: NTIA is hosting a public listening session today (Dec 10, 12–1:30 pm ET) on screen time, ed-tech, student data, and the impacts of devices in classrooms. Join the discussion here bit.ly/48FeKOB @cosnweb.bsky.social
Tomorrow at 10:15 EST, the House Higher Ed & Workforce Dev Subcommittee will explore “Building a Talent Marketplace” and how LERs expand opportunity — with Credential Engine CEO Scott Cheney set to testify. Watch live: bit.ly/4iJuwep
Owens Announces Hearing on How LERs Empower Workers and Expand Opportunity
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December 9, 2025 at 4:26 PM
Tomorrow at 10:15 EST, the House Higher Ed & Workforce Dev Subcommittee will explore “Building a Talent Marketplace” and how LERs expand opportunity — with Credential Engine CEO Scott Cheney set to testify. Watch live: bit.ly/4iJuwep
Senators across the Democratic Caucus today challenged ED’s plan to transfer key programs to other agencies. Their letter to Sec. McMahon urges an immediate reversal of moves that weaken federal support for millions of students. bit.ly/3XB309j
Murray, Baldwin, Sanders, Schumer, Colleagues Slam Latest Efforts to Dismantle the Department of Education; Call on McMahon to Reverse Illegal Moves That Weaken Support for Students | United States Se...
United States Senate Committee on Appropriations
bit.ly
December 4, 2025 at 7:29 PM
Senators across the Democratic Caucus today challenged ED’s plan to transfer key programs to other agencies. Their letter to Sec. McMahon urges an immediate reversal of moves that weaken federal support for millions of students. bit.ly/3XB309j
The IRS just invited comments on the new federal tax credit for Scholarship Granting Organizations. In this article, I break down why public school districts should weigh in now and how they can ensure donated dollars stay in their communities to support their students. Read more: bit.ly/48lTY54
The IRS Just Started the Process of Implementing the New Education Tax Credit — Public Schools Should Seize the Opportunity
This week the Treasury Department and IRS began the process of implementing the new federal Individual Tax Credit for Qualified Contributions to Scholarship Granting Organizations (SGOs) created under...
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November 26, 2025 at 8:03 PM
The IRS just invited comments on the new federal tax credit for Scholarship Granting Organizations. In this article, I break down why public school districts should weigh in now and how they can ensure donated dollars stay in their communities to support their students. Read more: bit.ly/48lTY54
States are stepping up to protect K12 systems from cyber threats. I spoke with the Council of State Governments Midwest about why ransomware, data breaches & insurance costs are hitting schools so hard — and what policymakers can do. Proud to see @cosnweb.bsky.social work highlighted. bit.ly/48inPeF
Laws in Indiana, Minnesota and Ohio take aim at preventing cyberattacks — a growing threat that can impact school operations, staff and students - CSG Midwest
State K-12 education systems rely heavily on the “internet of things,” both for the instruction of students and in everyday...
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November 26, 2025 at 2:36 PM
States are stepping up to protect K12 systems from cyber threats. I spoke with the Council of State Governments Midwest about why ransomware, data breaches & insurance costs are hitting schools so hard — and what policymakers can do. Proud to see @cosnweb.bsky.social work highlighted. bit.ly/48inPeF
On 12/2, House Energy & Commerce will hold a hearing on a sweeping package online safety bills—from KOSA to COPPA updates, algorithmic transparency, gaming safeguards, and limits on selling kids’ data. A major discussion about child safety + privacy. bit.ly/3Xiw9WM
House Committee on Energy and Commerce
The Committee on Energy and Commerce is the oldest standing legislative committee in the U.S. House of Representatives and is vested with the broadest jurisdiction of any congressional authorizing com...
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November 25, 2025 at 9:16 PM
On 12/2, House Energy & Commerce will hold a hearing on a sweeping package online safety bills—from KOSA to COPPA updates, algorithmic transparency, gaming safeguards, and limits on selling kids’ data. A major discussion about child safety + privacy. bit.ly/3Xiw9WM
U.S. Ed's new FIPSE Special Projects grant offers $167M for higher ed innovation—including $50M for AI in education and support for state-led talent marketplaces linking Learning & Employment Records + Credential Registries. Apps due Dec 3.https://bit.ly/4nN4E2g
November 11, 2025 at 1:26 PM
U.S. Ed's new FIPSE Special Projects grant offers $167M for higher ed innovation—including $50M for AI in education and support for state-led talent marketplaces linking Learning & Employment Records + Credential Registries. Apps due Dec 3.https://bit.ly/4nN4E2g
Visiting the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, today, is a reminder that America once built greatness by expanding higher education. Today’s assaults on universities risk undoing that legacy. We should be investing in, not dismantling our postsecondary institutions: bit.ly/4nXwitR
Investing in a Great Nation: Reflections from a Visit to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln
Today I had the privilege of meeting with Nebraska's education leaders on the campus of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, one of America’s great land-grant universities. My time on campus reminded m...
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October 1, 2025 at 7:02 PM
Visiting the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, today, is a reminder that America once built greatness by expanding higher education. Today’s assaults on universities risk undoing that legacy. We should be investing in, not dismantling our postsecondary institutions: bit.ly/4nXwitR
New from the U.S. Department of Education: Proposed priority highlights credential registries as part of talent marketplaces—linking students, employers & educators with transparent, skills-based pathways to in-demand careers. Comments open until 10/27. bit.ly/42Ppu9r
September 25, 2025 at 1:52 PM
New from the U.S. Department of Education: Proposed priority highlights credential registries as part of talent marketplaces—linking students, employers & educators with transparent, skills-based pathways to in-demand careers. Comments open until 10/27. bit.ly/42Ppu9r
On Sept. 30, the FCC will vote on items that would make school bus Wi-Fi and off-campus hotspots ineligible for E-Rate support. This decision could widen the #HomeworkGap. FCC Open Meeting Agenda: bit.ly/3IDXpes @cosnweb.bsky.social
September 24, 2025 at 2:34 PM
On Sept. 30, the FCC will vote on items that would make school bus Wi-Fi and off-campus hotspots ineligible for E-Rate support. This decision could widen the #HomeworkGap. FCC Open Meeting Agenda: bit.ly/3IDXpes @cosnweb.bsky.social
The Institute of Education Sciences is asking for public input on how to modernize its research, data, & evaluation work. RFI hits the Federal Register tomorrow. Comments due Oct 15. bit.ly/46Oumhz
September 24, 2025 at 2:19 PM
The Institute of Education Sciences is asking for public input on how to modernize its research, data, & evaluation work. RFI hits the Federal Register tomorrow. Comments due Oct 15. bit.ly/46Oumhz
Coming up at 10:00AM EDT: Senate HELP Committee hearing on "The State of K-12 Education." Witnesses: Dr. Eric Hanushek, Dr. Martin West, Dr. Katie Jenner, Dr. Scott Muri & Dr. Rebecca Winthrop. Watch it live here: bit.ly/4n9BR8Dhttps...
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September 18, 2025 at 1:45 PM
Coming up at 10:00AM EDT: Senate HELP Committee hearing on "The State of K-12 Education." Witnesses: Dr. Eric Hanushek, Dr. Martin West, Dr. Katie Jenner, Dr. Scott Muri & Dr. Rebecca Winthrop. Watch it live here: bit.ly/4n9BR8Dhttps...
New Ed-Flex guidance: States can apply for authority to waive select federal requirements, giving districts more options to use ESEA and Perkins funds to meet student needs. Learn more bit.ly/4mmFWVM
U.S. Department of Education Issues Guidance to States on Ed-Flex Option to Encourage Local Innovation
The U.S. Department of Education sent a letter to chief state school officers reminding them that they may apply for authority under the Ed-Flex Act to waive certain federal requirements that apply to...
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September 17, 2025 at 9:26 PM
New Ed-Flex guidance: States can apply for authority to waive select federal requirements, giving districts more options to use ESEA and Perkins funds to meet student needs. Learn more bit.ly/4mmFWVM
Strong leadership from @SETDA & @CoSN on the future of E-rate and the Universal Service Fund. Their joint comments to the bipartisan #USF Working Group underscore why secure broadband access is essential for every student. Read more: bit.ly/48hVMNW
CoSN and SETDA Issue Joint Response to the Senate USF Working Group | CoSN
Washington, D.C. (September 15, 2025) – The Consortium for School Networking (CoSN) and SETDA issued the following statement on the future of the Universal Service Fund (USF). Together, CoSN and SETDA...
bit.ly
September 15, 2025 at 8:04 PM
Strong leadership from @SETDA & @CoSN on the future of E-rate and the Universal Service Fund. Their joint comments to the bipartisan #USF Working Group underscore why secure broadband access is essential for every student. Read more: bit.ly/48hVMNW