The COVID crisis reminded us just how important a functioning school system is to working families—and it exacerbated the inequalities that are leaving many children behind.
At some point in the last 12 months, every parent had the same realization: Schools are absolutely critical to daily life. Although schools are often reduced to grades and test scores, the value of hot meals, safe spaces to play, friendships, time away from the family unit, and more, have all been underscored by school closures.