Week in EdTech 9/10/25: Apple Integrates OpenAI & Gemini to Siri, NAEP Scores Show Continued Learning Loss, EdTech Funding Slows, Alpha Schools’ 2-hour AI Model Sparks Debate, and More! Feat. Chris Walsh of PBLWorks

Sep 19, 2025

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Chris Walsh

Join Matt Tower, a policy and edtech analyst, Kate Eberle Walker, CEO of Presence Learning, and Chris Walsh, Chief Product and Technology Officer at PBLWorks, as they delve into key trends in education technology. They discuss Apple's integration of OpenAI with Siri and the implications of AI on student mental health. The guest highlights include the ongoing challenges of learning loss post-pandemic and the controversial two-hour AI model from Alpha Schools. Insights into project-based learning and the state of edtech funding also take center stage.

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ADVICE

Prioritize Transparency Over Locks

Give parents transparency into what AI shows children rather than only locking controls.
Provide visibility and access so families can see content and usage around AI tools.

INSIGHT

Regulatory Moats Could Protect EdTech

Investors may favor companies that solve regulatory and compliance challenges as AI commoditizes models.
Regulated-service moats (special ed, mental health) could offer defensibility.

INSIGHT

Special Ed Attracts Stable Investment

Special education attracts steadier investor interest because needs and compliance requirements are clear.
Clarity and persistent demand make special ed an attractive, less volatile segment.

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Join hosts Alex Sarlin and guest co-hosts Matt Tower of Whiteboard Advisors, & Kate Eberle Walker, CEO of Presence as they break down the latest headlines in education technology and from Big Tech’s AI push to the evolving future of school models.

✨ Episode Highlights:
[00:00:00] Kate Eberle Walker on parents’ concerns about AI chatbots and student mental health
[00:03:20] Apple integrates OpenAI and Gemini into Siri, reshaping the AI race
[00:04:15] Global AI shake-up: Microsoft shifts to Anthropic, Baidu gains ground, Google antitrust update
[00:14:45] Edtech funding slowdown and investor focus on regulated markets like special education
[00:18:07] OpenAI launches certifications for frontline workers; Google gamifies AI literacy with Stanford
[00:27:43] First NAEP results post-pandemic show continued learning loss and lack of political focus on academics
[00:39:01] Accountability challenges in education: attendance, wellness, and equity in public vs. private models
[00:43:46] Debate on Alpha Schools’ “two hours of AI per day” model and its implications for learning

Plus, special guest:
[00:50:17] Chris Walsh, Chief Product and Technology Officer of PBLWorks on scaling project-based learning

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