Jillian Forshat

Pittsburgh Public Schools has spent $2.7 million this school year in an effort to help students with disabilities catch up.

The district is paying for things like after-school tutoring, specialized art classes, and even rock climbing.

Some people question how rock climbing can help students make up for lost learning time.

District official Maria Paul defends it.

So far, the district says it has made up about 10 percent of the hours lost.

For NPR News, I'm Jillian Forsat in Pittsburgh.

And I'm Dua Halisa-Countel, NPR News in New York City.