COVID-19, which caused academic setbacks for students nationwide, was found to disproportionately impact three vulnerable populations: those with disabilities, English learners and homeless youth.

The data, from a new report from the Center on Reimagining Public Education (CRPE), found that these vulnerable populations are struggling due to the lack of needed resources for academic recovery.

Below, two key highlights from the report, The State of the American Student: Fall 2024.

Chronic Absenteeism Rates Skyrocket

As an example, the report points to Los Angeles, where chronic absenteeism among English learners “more than doubled among students with disabilities.” And in Minneapolis, it “doubled or nearly doubled among students with disabilities in more than a third of schools.”

Special Education Referrals At All-Time High

The report notes that in 2022–23, 7.5 million public school students received services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). “Anecdotally, school and district leaders nationwide report that kindergartners are entering school with significant academic and social struggles, leading to higher referral rates to special education.”

The 74 Million’s Special Ed Students, English Learners Face Greatest Setbacks has more of the important details.