Education officials and advocates are warning that the move toward hybrid learning is deepening long-standing inequality in classrooms. A new report released Friday says students from lower-income families are far less likely to have reliable internet access, up-to-date devices, or a quiet place to study, making it harder for them to participate fully in lessons that split time between home and school.

The report links the problem to budget pressures that have left many districts unable to provide enough laptops, hotspot access, or technical support. While hybrid instruction is often presented as a flexible solution for schools, the findings suggest it can create a two-tier system in which students with stronger home connectivity benefit while others fall further behind.

Education leaders say the gap is especially damaging because hybrid classrooms are becoming more common even as schools continue to recover from years of disruption. Without sustained funding, they warn, districts will keep relying on tools that many families cannot afford to use effectively.

The report adds to a growing debate over whether school systems are adopting digital-first models faster than public investment can support them. Advocates say closing the divide will require not just short-term device distribution, but long-term infrastructure, affordability, and support for students most at risk of being left out.