{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"The Boyz of Edtech | K–12 Education Insights","title":"Dept of Education Issues New Guidance: What EdTech Founders and Districts Need to Know","html":"<iframe width=\"100%\" height=\"180\" frameborder=\"no\" scrolling=\"no\" seamless src=\"https://share.transistor.fm/e/ae0d7387\"></iframe>","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":3340,"description":"In this emergency episode, Rick Fernandez, Jacob Kantor, Ryan Patenaude, and Matthew Millstein unpack the latest Department of Education guidance impacting the edtech industry and K-12 innovation. They explore evidence-based procurement, randomized controlled trials (RCTs), screen time debates, and outcomes-based contracting. Dive into candid insights on district leadership challenges, startup strategies, and how to create real impact in education technology. Whether you're a founder, buyer, or education partner, this episode delivers actionable perspectives to navigate the evolving landscape.\nNote: The letter was published on August 20th, 2026\nKey Moments\n00:00 Evaluating educational tools and evidence\n05:04 Evaluating Educational Tools Effectively\n07:33 Questioning the need for RCTs\n10:37 Discussing investment and educational implementation\n16:54 Discussing education and AI influence\n18:17 Addressing educational equity gaps\n21:03 Auditing and optimizing spending\n25:38 Partnering with school districts\n30:47 Business marketing and strategy approach\n31:48 Discussing past educational initiatives\n37:50 Discussing adult habit changes\n42:15 Facing pandemic challenges with FEV Tutor\n46:12 Evolving outcomes-based contracting in edtech\n48:01 Ensuring mutual investment success\n52:09 Challenges for education startups\n54:01 Communication and support strategy\nConnect with the Boyz\nRick Fernandez: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-rick-fernandez-40692434/\nMatthew Millstein: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-millstein/\nJacob Kantor: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thejacobkantor/\nRyan Patenaude: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanpatenaude/\nJeff Piontek: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffpiontek/\nInterested in joining the show? Fill out the form: https://forms.gle/SRVhzpXikBombee38","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/wkLqTp5mkY2lrJRZTIPFUj-eapGDdxUdGrVrmDFKhCs/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS9hZTQx/YmRlN2E0ZTQzNTEy/ZmQzNjQxNzQzY2Uz/NjYxYS5wbmc.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}