Esser funds are federal grants allocated to states and local educational agencies to address the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on students. These funds can be used for a range of activities, including providing mental health services, purchasing educational technology, hiring additional staff, and improving ventilation systems in schools. The goal of Esser funds is to help schools safely reopen and provide students with the resources they need to succeed academically and emotionally.
Expanding Access to Technology
Improving access to technology is crucial for equitable learning opportunities. ESSER funds can be utilized to:
- Purchase devices, such as laptops or tablets, for students in need.
- Provide internet connectivity to students who lack access at home.
- Establish mobile hotspots to extend internet coverage.
- Equip classrooms with projectors, interactive whiteboards, and other technology tools.
- Develop virtual and online learning platforms to expand educational options.
| Equipment/Service | Use |
|---|---|
| Laptops/tablets | Student devices for accessing learning materials, completing assignments, and connecting with teachers and classmates. |
| Internet connectivity | Provides students with reliable internet access at home and school. |
| Projectors | Displays presentations and learning materials in classrooms. |
| Interactive whiteboards | Interactive surface for collaborative learning activities, presentations, and discussions. |
| Virtual/online learning platforms | Offers online courses, materials, and assessments, expanding educational options and providing flexibility. |
Addressing Learning Loss
The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) provided billions of dollars in Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funds to address the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on K-12 education in the United States. One of the primary goals of these funds is to address learning loss that students have experienced during the pandemic.
School districts have a wide range of options for using ESSER funds to address learning loss, including:
- Providing additional instructional support, such as tutoring, after-school programs, and summer school
- Purchasing new instructional materials, technology, and equipment
- Developing and implementing new curricula and instructional strategies
- Providing professional development for teachers on best practices for addressing learning loss
- Implementing social-emotional learning programs to support students’ mental health and well-being
The table below provides a summary of allowable uses of ESSER funds under the ARPA:
| Category | Allowable Uses |
|---|---|
| Improving Educational Services |
|
| Expanding Student Access |
|
| Supporting Educator Effectiveness |
|
| Ensuring Safe and Clean Schools |
|
| Addressing Student Mental Health |
|
School districts are required to submit a plan to their state educational agency (SEA) describing how they will use ESSER funds to address learning loss. The SEA will review and approve the plan before the district can begin spending funds.
Supporting Mental Health and Wellness
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on students’ mental health has been substantial, with increases in anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation. ESSER funds can be used to address these concerns by providing support services, training staff, and implementing programs.
Here are specific ways that ESSER funds can be used to support mental health and wellness:
- Providing mental health screenings and assessments
- Hiring additional school counselors, social workers, and psychologists
- Implementing evidence-based mental health programs
- Training staff on mental health first aid and suicide prevention
- Creating safe and supportive school environments
- Partnering with community mental health providers
The following table provides a summary of how ESSER funds can be used to support mental health and wellness:
| Activity | Eligible Costs |
|---|---|
| Mental health screenings and assessments | Supplies, equipment, personnel, and training |
| Hiring additional school counselors, social workers, and psychologists | Salaries, benefits, and professional development |
| Implementing evidence-based mental health programs | Curriculum, materials, training, and program evaluation |
| Training staff on mental health first aid and suicide prevention | Training materials, supplies, and stipends |
| Creating safe and supportive school environments | Building renovations, furniture, and equipment |
| Partnering with community mental health providers | Contracts for services, supplies, and equipment |
Hiring and Professional Development
Esser funds can be used to support the hiring and professional development of educators and staff. This can include:
- Hiring additional teachers and support staff
- Providing professional development for current educators and staff
- Developing and implementing new programs and services
- Purchasing equipment and supplies to support instruction
The following table provides a summary of how Esser funds can be used for hiring and professional development:
| Activity | Eligible Expenses |
|---|---|
| Hiring additional teachers and support staff |
|
| Providing professional development for current educators and staff |
|
| Developing and implementing new programs and services |
|
| Purchasing equipment and supplies to support instruction |
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