From the blog: "Distance-learning experiences have improved since the early days of the pandemic, but we still do not know whether students are making sufficient progress and whether gaps in learning are growing among student groups. Most students are spending less time on educational activities during distance learning than before the pandemic, and these deficiencies are more widespread among low-income and less educated families, as well as African American families. With the third wave of the virus shuttering some schools again and stalling reopening plans for others, schools face significant challenges in safely returning students to classrooms."