Education in 2025 will be a roller-coaster ride, with highs and lows, challenges and heated debates. There’s never a shortage of excitement when it comes to the educational landscape. Whether you’re tackling the rise of AI or trying to figure out how kids can read (when TikTok dancing is so much more appealing- at least until Supreme Court rules), there’s always something new. Let’s take inspiration from a recent Education Week article series and a trivia segment with The Community Classroom owner on WWLP News Channel 22 Mass Appeal to break down the five top trends and challenges that educators will face this year. Spoiler alert! It’s just as much about grit and giggles.
1. The Reading Wars and Literacy Proficiency
Literacy rates are still a concern worldwide, despite ongoing debates such as the “Reading Wars” and initiatives focused on “the science of reading”. Reports indicate, for example, that 60% of students have difficulty with their reading skills. To address these challenges, it is important to focus on literacy strategies that are effective in helping students learn essential reading skills.
A tip for parents: Ask the teacher about their views on whole-reading versus phonics-based instruction. You will learn more about your child’s reading progress!
2. Impact of social media on student well-being
Social media’s pervasiveness has been associated with increased anxiety among students and other mental health problems. We are talking about a HUGE percentage of children. Parents and educators must work together to reduce these negative effects. They can do this by encouraging digital literacy, promoting healthy online behaviour, and providing systems of support that address the psychological impact of social media.
Caretakers, here’s a tip: Talk to your child about how much screen time they spend in a given day. This includes both at school and outside. If they own a tablet or smartphone, check their screen time.
3. Parents’ empowerment and school choice
This trend continues to grow, highlighting the need for policies that balance parental input and equitable access to high-quality education for all students. This debate has both pros and cons.
Tip for caregivers: Every state is different. School choice, while good in principle, takes money from the already underfunded public schools. What is your current state doing? Let’s not even get started with the parent involvement that has led to books being removed from public schools in Florida…
4. Artificial Intelligence in Education
AI’s rise in educational settings presents both opportunities and challenges. AI may offer a personalized learning experience and administrative efficiency, but concerns over academic integrity and misuse of AI in education require the development and implementation of ethical guidelines. This is a very mixed topic, as is Pandora’s Box. Have you tried meal planning with AI before? This is a game-changer, people. We need to have better guidelines for the fast-moving technologies and their impact on education.
Caretakers, here’s a tip: Talk to your children about AI. What are they doing with it? What could it do to make their lives easier? What are the grey areas when using it in school and for homework? WHAT a dinner topic!
5. Attrition of Teachers and Retention
High teacher turnover rates threaten the quality of education. Attrition is caused by inadequate support, low compensation and increased job demands. These are the people who we trust with our children. Why don’t we take better care of our children? To address these issues, systemic changes are needed to improve the working conditions of teachers, provide them with professional development and elevate the status of the profession.
Care for your child’s teacher. It’s a systemic problem, but we have the power to influence and support teachers who are right in front of us.
