Finding Common Ground in Uncertain Times

As we turn the calendar to 2025, educators nationwide are looking for solid ground amid ongoing debates about teacher professional learning, student acceleration and the role of technology in the classroom. A point of agreement is that the science of reading provides an evidenced based pathway to literacy achievement for 95% of all students. Drawing from recent discussions with educators, administrators, and, most importantly, students themselves, three key themes emerge that can help us focus on accelerating student success in the year ahead.

(1) The Foundation: Strong Tier 1 Instruction

First, rigorous and responsive Tier 1 instruction that is grounded in the science of reading and available to all students is critical. While we often focus on intervention and remediation, the reality is that all students begin their learning journey in Tier 1. And when we say all, we mean every single student is included in preventative and diagnostic Tier 1 instruction. This includes age and grade appropriate students across all levels of strength, need and experience.

Core instruction must be rigorous, grounded in the science of reading, and delivered through structured literacy approaches. When we get Tier 1 right, we create an inclusive foundation that benefits every learner in our classrooms.

Diversity and Data

While we rightfully celebrate and honor diversity in our schools, science shows us that we are all more alike than we are different in how we learn to read. Evidence-based instruction works for all learners. Of course, students and teachers bring unique strengths, perspectives, interests, and cultural backgrounds and we want to provide rigorous and responsive learning. And science of reading-based instruction, supported by data and technology, can create individualized student pathways while maintaining high standards for all. This means eliminating any stigma attached to students with learning differences, such as students who are neurodiverse.

Educational technology providers like Lexia play a vital role here, helping us accelerate learning and accuracy in student progress while supporting educators. Today's tools can help us better understand what our learners need, and then tie those needs to instruction. Too often, what may present itself as a behavioral challenge in the classroom is actually a specific learning need that technology can help us identify, diagnose and address with precision.

(2) Leadership Drives Change

The second key theme centers on the critical role of administrators in driving literacy transformation. School leaders must create a culture of collaboration and continuous learning, modeling the vulnerability and excitement that comes with mastering new skills. When administrators deeply understand the pedagogy and vocabulary of the science of reading and its application, structured literacy, they know what to look for in classrooms and can better support their teachers in implementation. School leaders and teachers who commit to using best practices to build a strong, inclusive culture share in their students' success.

Given the opportunity, we ask District leaders who are on a science of reading journey if there is anything they would do differently knowing what they know now. A consistent theme in 2024 from District administrators was that if they had it to do all over again, they would begin science of reading transformation and science of reading professional learning with administrators. With this choice, leaders can light the path and create a culture of curiosity and courage.

(3) Learning from Student Voices

Perhaps most importantly, as we look to 2025, we must amplify student voices in our decision-making. In recent conversations with neurodivergent young adults, they offered powerful insights about what works—and what doesn't—in the classroom. Their perspectives remind us that what we consider "best practices" today may evolve as we learn from those who have experienced our educational systems firsthand.

Take, for example, the shifting understanding of approaches for students with autism. For decades, applied behavioral analysis was considered the gold standard, backed by research, and widely implemented. Now, young adults who have experienced these interventions are sharing different perspectives, helping us understand the accommodations they received that were particularly helpful.

Similarly, too many students reflect on learning to read and note that access to structured literacy is their only clear path toward reading, writing, and speaking with confidence. These young adults also emphasize the importance of self-advocacy and how that helps educate the wider educational community about neurodiversity—which builds greater understanding and inclusivity.

The Path Forward

This illustrates a crucial point about the continuous evolution of educational practice: while adults—teachers, parents, and advocates—initially lead the way in supporting students, our ultimate goal should be empowering students to self-advocate and inform our understanding of effective practice.

As we move into 2025, we have new opportunities to accelerate student progress through the science of reading and structured literacy by committing to what we know works:

● Strong Tier 1 instruction for all students

● Evidence-based practices for all students

● Administrative leadership

● Insights gained from student voices

● Purposeful and engaging instructional technology

When we bring these elements together, we create learning environments where every student can develop the ability to read, write, and speak with confidence.

The path forward is clear: we must maintain our commitment to evidence-based instruction while remaining open to an evolution in our understanding. The science of reading is not static—it's a body of knowledge that expands as we learn more about how all students learn best.

By grounding ourselves in these fundamentals while staying attuned to student voices, we can make 2025 a breakthrough year for literacy instruction.

Most importantly, these principles transcend the political debates that often dominate educational discussions. We can all agree that every child in this country is capable of reading and writing with confidence. Teachers show up every day ready to make this happen. When we provide them with the right tools, training, and support—and truly listen to student voices—we create the optimal conditions for success.

About the author

Kerri Larkin is a senior education advisor to the learning and research team at Lexia.