Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund (ESSER II)
Using Federal Funds to Address Literacy Learning Loss
As you know, 95 Percent Group has been concerned about learning loss as a direct result of COVID-19 closures since Spring 2020. We're encouraged to see that schools will now be able to use federal funds to mitigate literacy learning loss now and over the summer months.
The second COVID stimulus package, ESSR II, includes:
$54 billion is allocated to K-12 schools– that's 4X the amount of the first relief package
2 of the 15 uses specifically focus on learning loss for all K-12 students and includes "planning and implementing activities related to summer learning and supplemental after school programs, including providing classroom instruction or online learning during the summer months and addressing the need".
We’re also hearing from concerned educators:
Concern over whether K-3 students have been able to learn effectively in a remote learning environment
Many educators used funds from the first stimulus for technology. Now, this second one presents an unexpected opportunity to address learning loss and fund summer school and after-school programs.
To alleviate these concerns, we invite you to join Dr. Susan Hall and watch our on-demand webinar at your convenience. In this session, Susan shares funding insights and offers recommendations for maximizing fund usage.
Highlights include:
An overview of this latest COVID funding and how it differs from the CARES Act funding of 2020
Learning how to quickly diagnose literacy deficits and how to address these learning gaps
Tips to optimize the remaining months of this academic year
Reviewing models for effective summer schools that address literacy learning loss to maximize this additional learning opportunity
Along with the webinar recording and handout, we're also offering a downloadable copy of the relevant excerpt of the legislation showing how funds can be used to share with your team and administrators.
