Week in EdTech 8/20/25: GPT-5 Fallout & GPT-6 Memory, Blackstone Exits $6B Cognita Deal, Pearson AI Study Prep & More! Feat. Brittany Miller of Center for Outcomes-Based Contracting, Jahque Bryan-Gooden of My CRE Buddy & Jim Marggraff of Kibeam Learning

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Aug 29, 2025

Guest

Brittany Miller

Brittany Miller, the CIO at the Center for Outcomes-Based Contracting, discusses how edtech partnerships can align funding with student outcomes. Jahque Bryan-Gooden, founder of My CRE Buddy, highlights the importance of culturally responsive education and innovative tools that cater to diverse student experiences. Jim Marggraff, CEO of Kibeam Learning, introduces screen-free AI tools designed to transform reading education. Together, they explore the intersection of AI advancements, systemic challenges in education, and the potential for personalized learning.

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ADVICE

Bundle Implementation Into Per‑Pupil Pricing

Price outcomes contracts with a modest 10–20% upside bump and an all-in per-pupil fee to cover implementation.
Brittany suggests bundling PD, coaching, and support to reduce chaotic procurement and improve classroom delivery.

ANECDOTE

District Case Studies With Strong Dosage

Hillsborough achieved 75% dosage for 2,800 students and nearly 50% of targeted achievement growth, earning most contingent payments.
Duval reached 94% dosage and significant payouts, showing consistent results across districts.

ADVICE

Bake Pedagogy Into Curriculum Tools

Embed pedagogy and research-backed frameworks into AI lesson tools so teachers improve while saving time.
Jahque Bryan-Gooden built MyCREBuddy to make good teachers great, with PD and reflection built into each lesson.

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Join hosts Alex Sarlin and Ben Kornell as they dive into the biggest headlines shaping the future of education technology, from AI breakthroughs to new models of learning challenges.

✨ Episode Highlights:
[00:03:23] GPT-5 fallout and Altman’s vision for GPT-6
[00:08:14] AI risks: AGI fears, scams, misinformation
[00:14:37] Post-COVID learning gaps and inequities
[00:18:33] Students solving problems with AI
[00:21:42] AI updates from Google, Meta, Microsoft, Grammarly
[00:25:29] Higher ed: Minerva’s rise, enrollment, dropouts
[00:27:45] Micro-innovations from Stanford and student startups
[00:29:14] Funding shifts: early-stage gains, PE stress, Nintendo schools
[00:33:19] Cutting through AI hype cycles
[00:39:20] Schools banning phones for student wellness
[00:43:04] Big tech vs. local edtech visibility
[00:45:07] Blackstone exits $6B Cognita deal
[00:46:33] Pearson launches AI Study Prep

Plus, special guests:
[00:47:43] Brittany Miller, CIO and Executive Director at the Center for Outcomes-Based Contracting, on edtech-school partnerships
[01:10:31] Jahque Bryan-Gooden, Founder of My CRE Buddy on culturally responsive teaching with AI
[01:20:00] Jim Marggraff, CEO and Founder of Kibeam Learning on screen-free AI reading and learning tools

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Innovation in preK to gray learning is powered by exceptional people. For over 15 years, EdTech companies of all sizes and stages have trusted HireEducation to find the talent that drives impact. When specific skills and experiences are mission-critical, HireEducation is a partner that delivers. Offering permanent, fractional, and executive recruitment, HireEducation knows the go-to-market talent you need. Learn more at HireEdu.com.

Tuck Advisors was founded by entrepreneurs who built and sold their own companies, frustrated by other m and a firms, they created the one they wished they could have hired but couldn't find. One who understands what matters to founders and whose North Star KPI is the percentage of deals closed. If you're thinking of selling your ed tech company or buying one contact Tuck advisors now.

Cooley LLP is the go-to law firm for education and edtech innovators, offering industry-informed counsel across the 'pre-K to gray' spectrum. With a multidisciplinary approach and a powerful edtech ecosystem, Cooley helps shape the future of education.