Teachers across the country report their attempts at distance learning induced by the pandemic are failing to reach large numbers of students.

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Teachers across the country report their attempts at distance learning induced by the pandemic are failing to reach large numbers of students.

Nearly a month after schools shut down to slow the spread of the coronavirus, many are struggling with distance learning. Some teachers are only seeing about half of their students log on.

Many students still do not have laptops. Others are distracted, listening to teachers while babysitting siblings. Some are logging on only to walk away. Not all schools are struggling. Those accustomed to technology transitioned smoothly.

The country’s biggest experiment in distance learning is laying bare disparities in the U.S. education system and threatens to deepen inequalities.