ESSER Fund Planning with Children's Literacy Initiative
Learn how you can use ESSER funding to amplify learning recovery.
How to use ESSER II and ARP Funding for Literacy Learning Recovery
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) was the third and largest in a series of legislative actions taken by Congress in response to the medical and economic crises caused by COVID-19. The Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations (CRRSA) Act was enacted on December 27, 2020. This how-to explains how schools and districts can utilize CRSSA funds and CLI’s various literacy offerings to support students and teachers advance learning recovery.
CRSSA Funding Highlights
- CRSSA added $82 billion in funding for the National Education Stabilization Fund (ESF).
- ESF funding provides support for K-12 schools with a total of $54 billion added to the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) Fund (called ESSER II).
- The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA ESSER III) Fund was enacted in Congress in 2021 and added an additional $170B to the same ESF program.
- The allowable uses of the ESSER II and ARPA ESSER III funds are similar but there are key differences including the window of fund availability, inclusion of non-public school entities, and sustainability and tracking of work to facilitate learning recovery.
Further, ARP funding Relief for schools (including independent schools) is meant to serve communities that have particularly felt the economic impact of COVID-19 or the effects of learning loss.
How can CSSRA Funds support my school?
Remote Learning Resources
Programs that advance online learning for students and PD for teachers.
Amplifying Equity
Educational initiatives to address the unique needs of low-income students, English language learners, and underrepresented racial and ethnic groups.
Educational Tech
Educational technology (including hardware, software, and connectivity) for students and teachers served, including low-income students.
Afterschool Programs and Summer Learning
Afterschool initiatives and summer programs to accelerate student learning.
Learning Recovery
Evidence-based resources and instructional tools to improve academic instruction to amplify learning recovery.
Success Monitoring
Tracking and measurement of student advancement to better sense learning needs and student success.
Invest in Programs for Summer Learning and Enrichment
As the school year ends, keep students engaged with our Summer Book Grab Kits. Designed to support diverse needs, these kits are perfect for summer learning. Download the info sheet to learn more.
Download the Maximize ESSER Funds Info Sheet