Follow the Money: $190 Billion to Confront Challenges, Seize Opportunities

Council of Large Public Housing Authorities
Chicago, Illinois
Tuesday, December 13, 2022 3:00 pm to 4:30 pm
Virtual
It is estimated that school districts have spent only a percentage of the $190 billion of the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funds awarded to them to address the setbacks precipitated by the pandemic. Some estimates say that up to $130 billion may still available to invest before the September 2024 obligation deadline. At the half-way mark of this funding window, we have the opportunity to take stock of ESSER investments made to date, where those investments have been designated, how they are advancing equitable learning recovery and what challenges might be preventing some districts from making smart investments. With so many dollars still on the table, now is the time to examine where and how districts have invested in high-impact tutoring, summer and out-of-school-time learning, technology-enhanced learning, digital equity, professional development, mental health and other interventions that can be deployed to close the gaps widened by the pandemic. As more districts shift from a focus on student and staff health and safety, an examination of the ESSER successes to date can shed light on the best investment opportunities to recoup unfinished learning and address staffing challenges. Understanding the progress made from these investments can help to inform and influence more districts to designate their remaining funds to replicate what has worked. Join us on December 13, from 3–4:30 p.m. ET, as we explore what is known about district spending over the past two years and investigate challenges that have impeded the obligation of funds so far. We will discuss findings from a McKinsey survey of district leaders shared in a recent article, Half-time for the K-12 stimulus: How are districts faring? and lift up examples of smart investments that can be made in 2023 and 2024 for the greatest impact on teaching and learning. I look forward to joining my colleagues from FutureEd, the Council of Chief State School Officers, Education Trust and others (TBD) as we reflect on ESSER investments to date to identify opportunities to utilize the remaining funds to achieve the greatest impact on equitable learning recovery.
Campaign for Grade Level Reading
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