MONTHS SPENT OUT OF THE CLASSROOM where children didn't receive the basics of reading in the proper way, coupled with a shortage of educators and an extended period of pandemic interruptions, have created a perfect storm for early learners developing speech and reading skills. There's only so much school districts can do, even with federal funding, given the lack of qualified teachers and the surging demand for private tutoring from affluent families. The widening gap between high and low performers that existed before the pandemic remains a significant issue, with those not fluent in English falling even further behind.