The Consortium for School Networking (CoSN) has released its Driving K–12 Innovation Report for 2025, offering a comprehensive analysis of the biggest challenges, emerging trends, and innovative technologies shaping the future of education. The report serves as a critical guide for school IT leaders, administrators, and education advocates, helping them navigate the rapidly evolving educational landscape.
According to CoSN CEO Keith Krueger, the report is designed to spark meaningful dialogue rather than provide a one-size-fits-all solution. He emphasized that its approach prioritizes understanding the fundamental barriers to progress before exploring the trends and technologies that can drive meaningful change in classrooms.
The report acknowledges that many of the challenges facing K–12 schools are not new, with themes resurfacing from previous years. However, their persistence highlights ongoing struggles that require continued focus and strategic action. The advisory committee that compiled the report examined key hurdles, accelerators, and technology enablers, organizing them under four primary themes: ethical innovation, personalization, the future of work, and critical media literacy.
One of the most pressing hurdles identified in the report is the challenge of attracting and retaining educators and IT professionals, which has remained a significant issue for four consecutive years. Factors such as low job satisfaction and uncompetitive salaries have contributed to widespread staffing shortages, making it difficult for schools to maintain stable instructional and technological support teams.
Another major challenge is the evolution of teaching and learning, as educators work to keep pace with technological advancements and prepare students for a rapidly changing workforce. The report highlights the importance of professional development and adaptive teaching strategies in addressing this ongoing issue.
Digital equity also remains a critical concern, with CoSN expanding the definition beyond device and internet access to include digital literacy, learning conditions, and equitable learning opportunities. Schools must not only provide students with technology but also ensure that they understand how to use it effectively to succeed in the digital age.
Interestingly, cybersecurity, which was a major hurdle in previous years, did not make the list for 2025. This omission has raised concerns among IT professionals, given the rising number of cyber threats targeting educational institutions.
In addition to identifying hurdles, the report highlights key accelerators that are helping drive educational progress. Learner agency, which positions students as active participants in their education, remains a top trend. The report emphasizes the need for schools to empower students while also supporting educators in creating dynamic learning environments.
The second accelerator, building the human capacity of leaders, underscores the importance of investing in school leadership. Effective leadership is seen as a cornerstone for successfully implementing new teaching methodologies and technological innovations.
The third major accelerator is changing attitudes toward demonstrating learning, which challenges traditional assessment methods. Schools are encouraged to explore alternative evaluation strategies such as project-based learning, digital portfolios, and competency-based assessments that better reflect student understanding and real-world application.
The report also identifies three major technology enablers that are set to transform K–12 education in 2025. At the top of the list is generative artificial intelligence (Gen AI), which is described as a game-changer with immense potential to revolutionize learning. However, CoSN cautions that schools must establish clear guidelines for ethical and responsible AI use to mitigate risks.
Another key tech enabler is analytics and adaptive technologies, which leverage AI-driven insights to personalize instruction. These tools help educators track student progress and adjust teaching strategies in real time to optimize learning outcomes.
The final tech enabler, untethered broadband and connectivity, returns to the list after a brief absence last year. With remote learning and digital classrooms becoming the norm, CoSN highlights the need for robust and flexible internet access that extends beyond traditional wired infrastructure.
As K–12 institutions continue to adapt to the digital transformation of education, the findings of the Driving K–12 Innovation Report serve as a crucial guide. Addressing persistent hurdles, embracing transformative trends, and leveraging advanced technologies will be key to creating a more equitable, future-ready educational landscape. With ongoing discussions around funding, teacher retention, and technological integration, this report underscores the importance of collaboration and innovation in shaping the next generation of learning environments.
