Reg Leichty

@regleichty.bsky.social

Education and privacy lawyer, founding partner of Foresight Law + Policy, PLLC, Washington, D.C.

I joined Edtech Insiders this week to discuss the evolving policy landscape around technology in education—including screen time, AI regulation and what education and edtech leaders should be watching next. Thanks to Ben Kornell for having me! Listen: bit.ly/4xYRYel

#edtech #aiineducation #futureoflearning #futureofwork #educationpolicy | Edtech Insiders

This week in EdTech, Alex Sarlin & Ben Kornell cover: • New HMH research showing educator AI adoption has reached 80% • Varsity Tutors exiting school-based tutoring—and what actually makes tutoring...

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Children's online safety may be one of the few technology issues Congress can actually finish this year. I explain why this week's Senate committee action could set up a bipartisan lame duck deal and help begin rebuilding public trust in technology use by kids. bit.ly/4q14ebm

Children's Online Safety Could Be Congress's Best Opportunity for a Bipartisan Win This Year

Yesterday, the Senate Commerce Committee unanimously advanced a bipartisan package of children's online safety legislation, including the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA), the Youth AI Privacy Act, the C...

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The FCC is considering changes that could reshape the future of E-Rate, the program that connects America's schools and libraries. I joined @TechLearning to discuss what's at stake, why it matters, and what education leaders can do next. bit.ly/3RvSroB

Don't Panic — Yet: What the FCC's E-Rate Review Means for Schools

Conversations With Kevin Hogan: Education policy attorney Reg Leichty explains why the FCC's inquiry into sunsetting E-Rate is a serious threat, why screen time is a red herring in this brouhaha, and ...

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Bipartisan momentum is building to make kids safer online, but the growing patchwork of proposals could have unintended consequences, especially for schools and student privacy. I shared a few thoughts in this GovTech piece. Worth a read: bit.ly/4djl4gH

Federal Privacy Bills Have Major Implications for K-12

Congress is pushing to regulate the Internet for kids after decades of harms posed by an evolving digital landscape. Experts say this well-intended effort may fundamentally alter privacy protocol for ...

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The FCC’s proposed E-Rate bidding portal aims to boost transparency, but GAO says the program already meets top fraud prevention standards. Are we fixing a real problem or adding complexity? A closer look bit.ly/3QaMZGM @cosnweb.bsky.social

Improving E-Rate Without Disrupting What Works

At the FCC’s April Open Commission Meeting, commissioners will consider changes to the E-Rate competitive bidding process that reflect an important goal: protecting the program from waste, fraud, and ...

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I had the opportunity to write this week for HMH’s Policy in Motion about what to watch as the FY2027 federal appropriations process gets underway. Early signals from Congress could shape education funding debates in the months ahead. bit.ly/4rbHlkn

Federal funding: What to watch for this year | HMH

With the approval of the 2026 federal budget for education behind us, and  the President’s annual budget request for next year around the corner, many education leaders are asking the same question: W...

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House E&C Committee markup tomorrow (3/5) on kids' online safety bills: KIDS Act (inc. KOSA) - platform safeguards, age verification, AI chatbot rules Sammy's Law - third-party safety tools COPPA 2.0 - extends protections to teens <17 App Store Accountability Act Watch: bit.ly/46BLd6R

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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Today the Institute of Education Sciences released the long-awaited report, “Reimagining the Institute of Education Sciences: A Strategy for Relevance and Renewal.” The report proposes shifts in federal education research, data systems, and evidence use. Worth a look. bit.ly/4rzZfhI

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Grateful for a terrific evening in DC celebrating the launch of my law partner Elliot’s new book, Readiness, with colleagues and friends committed to expanding opportunity. Next stops: New York, Ann Arbor, and Boston. Learn more: bit.ly/3MlzDWJ

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...

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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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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

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...

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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

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