2025 Year in Review

As 2025 comes to a close, we at IDS can’t think of a better way to wrap up the year than with gratitude.

It has been a year of progress, innovation, and collaboration across education—and we’re proud to have been part of it. In no particular order, here are the 10 things that made this year one of the best yet.

1. Cell phone bans

Ah, the sweet sound of silence—and the resulting focus on learning. More than half of states have now banned cell phones in schools, and we’re eager to see the rest follow. Early reports show students are more engaged, teachers have fewer classroom management battles, and instruction is running more smoothly. Read more here.

2. A renewed focus on literacy

From the science of reading shaping state policy to the federal Department of Education declaring literacy its top priority, 2025 was the year evidence-based reading instruction took center stage. States and districts doubled down on proven approaches, raising hopes for stronger NAEP results in the years ahead.

3. Tutoring at scale

States across the country invested in high-dosage tutoring, not just to remediate but to accelerate learning. Some saw big gains, others saw smaller gains, but it was encouraging that money wasn’t the only factor in tutoring succeeding. We’re keeping a close eye on how AI tutors are emerging as part of this strategy.

4. Workforce and career readiness initiatives

From federal fiscal policy to state-level programs, 2025 brought a surge in career readiness investments. With AI reshaping industries, the renewed emphasis on workforce pipelines ensures students are better prepared for the jobs of tomorrow.

5. Early childhood innovation

The first big news came in August: the launch of Teachstone’s combined infant / toddler observation tool. Shortly thereafter, New Mexico offered free childcare to all families in the state. As recently as 2021, leaders had to be reliable in four separate tools to measure quality in early learning sites! Now, just two tools cover birth through third grade, making measurement simpler and more scalable. We’re thrilled to see this step forward in supporting early learning quality nationwide. We expect this to have a big impact down the road.

6. LSU Baseball

We’re a Louisiana firm, so of course we celebrated when the Tigers brought home the win in Omaha! Geaux Tigers!

7. High-quality instructional materials (HQIM)

The buzz around HQIM has grown steadily, but in 2025 we saw even stronger alignment between HQIM and assessments. The impact is clear: rigorous curriculum benefits students and teachers. Less “teaching to the test,” more authentic teaching using great source material. That’s progress worth celebrating.

8. The Southern Surge

Results from Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee showed remarkable progress in student achievement. Post-COVID recovery has been uneven, but this “southern surge” is a hopeful signal that strong systems, effective leadership, and strategic investment can drive results. Read more about it at our blog post: http://www.instructionalds.com/post/dispatch14 

9. Our team

This year, the IDS team poured hundreds of hours into data analysis, logged countless miles supporting districts, and spent more time on video calls than we care to admit. From our new consultants to our seasoned principals, we’re grateful for each team member’s dedication. A special congratulations goes to our President, Hunter Brown, for being selected for the ChangeMakers Educational Leadership Fellowship.

10. Our partners

We are inspired daily by our partners in schools and districts across the country. This year they accelerated recovery, posting meaningful gains in ELA and math. Their laser focus on serving all children with excellence is what drives us. We’re honored to walk alongside such exemplary organizations. 

Final Thoughts and How to Take Action

From all of us at IDS, we wish you a happy, healthy, and inspiring new year! As we head into 2026, we’re filled with gratitude. The challenges in education remain real, but this year proved progress is possible. What are you excited about for 2026? Share your thoughts in the comments or connect with us on social media. We’d love to hear from you.

About Instructional Data Solutions: Our mission is to remove barriers to enable education organizations to focus on what matters most. We assist school systems and education organizations of all sizes by collecting, analyzing, and clearly communicating data. We are committed to empowering educators through comprehensive data analytics and tailored support. Additionally, we provide dedicated support for operational needs, process improvement, and special projects, offering customized solutions to enhance effectiveness and success. Our solutions bridge the gap between data collection and instructional improvement in PK-12 settings.