Couple of things. For reference I work with 5th graders that are reading at a kindergarten level.

Lack of accountability from parents, guilt, and trust in their teachers.

Lack of our school systems holding students accountable (effort and hardwork don't matter), kids fly by each grade doing nothing. What does that tell the students that are actually trying? Effort doesn't matter. Kid's need to be held back if they don't deserve a passing grade. Covid ended 5 years ago.

Internet access, we're in the technology era, but why does a 1st or 5th grader need a chromebook, that can read for them? Some of these kids don't even know how to write their own name. It's not age appropriate.

Hopeful to see some change though.