Reginald Grisham
Federal Relief Funds Programs Specialist
Interim Title I, Part D
June 2023
As the end of the grant's life cycle approaches, educational institutions must maximize the utilization of the remaining funds provided through the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER II) grant. These funds have been critical in addressing the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, supporting the needs of students, teachers, and administrators. In this article, we will explore how to strategically spend down the remaining budget, ensuring the funds' effectiveness to create a lasting impact.
1. Technology and Infrastructure Enhancement:
Consider investing in upgrading technological infrastructure to enhance your institution's remote and hybrid learning capabilities. Technical infrastructure may include purchasing additional laptops or tablets, improving internet connectivity, and upgrading software licenses to support seamless virtual learning experiences.
2. Professional Development and Training:
Allocate funds to provide comprehensive professional development opportunities for teachers and staff members. Focus on remote teaching techniques, technology integration, social-emotional learning, and mental health support. Collaborate with experts and organizations to offer training sessions to benefit the entire school community.
3. Student Support Programs:
Prioritize the well-being of students by investing in programs that address their academic, emotional, and social needs. For example, consider allocating funds to support counseling services, mentoring programs, after-school activities, tutoring, and mental health resources.
Also, a recent article by Daniel H. Bowen and Brian Kisida entitled "Investigating the Causal Effects of Arts Education" provides evidence that arts education can boost students' writing skills, build social and emotional skills, and increase school engagement. Bowen and Kisida's study found "the schools with additional arts experiences saw improvements in student behavior and increased standardized writing achievement scores. The researchers also conducted surveys that showed an increase in students' compassion for others, higher engagement in school, and stronger college aspirations.” The study also warns that “arts learning has been deprioritized in K-12 education since the 1980s, as schools have shifted tight budgets to align instruction with standardized testing.” The results of this study show arts initiatives can help mitigate learning loss and provide a holistic educational experience.
4. Classroom Resources and Materials:
Equip classrooms with the necessary resources and materials for effective instruction. Allocate funds for purchasing educational materials, textbooks, science equipment, and other supplies that facilitate hands-on learning experiences. Invest in library resources, digital subscriptions, and online databases to promote research and independent learning.
5. Facilities and Safety Enhancements:
Utilize the remaining budget to improve the safety and security measures of your school premises. Consider investing in upgrades such as HVAC systems, air purifiers, touchless fixtures, and additional sanitization supplies. In addition, ensure that the physical learning environment is conducive to health and well-being.
6. Community Engagement Initiatives:
Allocate funds to strengthen partnerships between the school and the local community. Consider hosting events, workshops, or family engagement programs that foster collaboration and dialogue. Develop initiatives that promote parent involvement, encourage community volunteers, and provide resources for students outside of school hours.
7. Data Management and Assessment Tools:
Invest in data management systems and assessment tools that can help track student progress, identify areas for improvement, and measure the impact of interventions. Effective data analysis can inform decision-making processes and enable evidence-based strategies to address learning gaps effectively.
8. Innovative Teaching and Learning Approaches:
Encourage innovative teaching practices by allocating funds for pilot projects and experimentation with new instructional methodologies. In addition, consider investing in technology solutions, such as virtual reality, augmented reality, or coding programs, that can enhance engagement and facilitate interdisciplinary learning.
Conclusion:
As the ESSER II grant reaches its final stages, making strategic decisions about the remaining funds is crucial to create a long-lasting impact on your educational institution. You can ensure that the grant funds are utilized effectively by focusing on technology upgrades, professional development, student support programs, classroom resources, safety enhancements, community engagement, data management, and innovative teaching approaches. Embrace this opportunity to strengthen your school community, support student success, and build a resilient educational environment for the future.