One small, silver lining of the pandemic may be a collective understanding and acknowledgment that some students and families are suffering more than others.
Rural school systems reopened their buildings to in-person instruction more swiftly while leaders of districts of all sizes provided more tutoring and hired rather than fired staff.
A growing number of school districts, concentrating in the south, have lifted COVID restrictions, allowing students to remove masks when at their desks.
Education Secretary Miguel Cardona says the federal government will not micromanage schools but will ensure students receive free, appropriate public education.
Several GOP members of the panel questioned Cardona about whether the inclusion of the 1619 Project meant ED was endorsing a "controversial" revision of American history.
