In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, student achievement levels remains low and adult approval of public schools is at its lowest point in decades. For nearly all student groups, but especially those who have been historically underserved, recovery remains unfinished business and a generation of American students is at risk of never catching up. However, during the past five years, pandemic recovery has, arguably, been the focus of the entire U.S. educational system, backed by nearly $200 billion in federal funding. This brief draws on a wide array of research to examine three key areas: (1) Crises response; (2) Recovery; and (3) What now and what next? For a full recovery, the public education system--from the federal government to individual classrooms--needs an infusion of new ideas and approaches. Educational leaders need to start asking and answering hard questions about how to rescue the pandemic generation.