Overview

• American students have made notable academic progress since the pandemic, with some states and districts showing remarkable gains in math and reading scores.
• The recovery, however, is uneven, with students from low-income backgrounds and high-poverty districts lagging behind their more affluent peers.
• Inequality has not only persisted but widened, particularly within the same school districts, exacerbating the challenges for students already facing the most difficulties.
• Federal pandemic relief funds are running low, raising concerns about the sustainability of recovery efforts and the need for states to step in.
• Experts call for urgent action to address the disparities and ensure that all students, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds, receive the support they need.