Born out of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, congress passed Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (commonly known as ESSER) funding to offset financial burdens on schools and target the gaps illuminated by remote learning for disabled, at-risk and English language learning students.
Qualified school districts have now received a second round of ESSER funding which can be spent through 2023.
Eligible expenses for ESSER funding includes PPE and sanitization costs, but there is more emphasis being placed on addressing equity. Districts are encouraged to use these funds for activities that support remote learning – especially for disadvantaged or at-risk students and their teachers. This includes:
- Professional Learning Programs
- Technology (Hardware, Software, Connectivity)
- Curriculum (Any)
The secretary of education said with the release of these funds: “It’s important to think creatively about new delivery methods and focus on investing in the technology infrastructure and professional development and training that will help all students continue to learn through some form of remote learning.”
Even with more learning moving back into traditional classrooms for the 2021-2022 school year, the funds are encouraged to go toward addressing the recovery of lost instruction time and digital equity that began in March 2020.
We’ve broken down the specifics of who receives funding, and how the funds can be used in a single brochure you can download below. Whether it is a digital solution, curriculum for math/ELA/SEL, or professional learning opportunities for staff – Open Up Resources has a variety of ESSER qualified products to benefit your school district. These solutions include:
- Technology - Kiddom & OneTab
- Professional Learning - ELA & Mathematics sessions, Social and Emotional Learning sessions, Teacher Leader in Residence, HIVE Conference
- Curriculum - Bookworms K-5, EL Education K-8, Mathematics 6-8, High School Mathematics, Reading with Relevance (SEL)
Fill out the form below learn more about our curriculum, digital solutions, conferences and sessions eligible for ESSER funding.
