Public Schools' Challenges

The COVID-19 pandemic proved to be an enormous challenge for schools and their students. Many schools shut down in-person classes for months, particularly in large cities and Democratic-led states. The result has been serious learning loss for many students, most notably among Black, Hispanic and low-income children. Washington has provided historic levels of financial support, but schools are struggling to hire enough teachers and other classroom personnel, while also trying to provide additional instruction to lift students up to grade level. Enrollment, attendance and graduation rates have all suffered. As a consequence, much of the public is dissatisfied with the quality of public schools. Many Republican-led states are expanding the use of taxpayer dollars to support children in private schools. They are also engaged in battles over cultural issues, including instruction about racial history, gender and sexuality. As the new academic year starts, some education experts wonder whether public schools will be able to return to prepandemic levels of enrollment, staffing and achievement.