ESSER (Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief) funding is a portion of the three COVID-19 relief laws, which have allocated approximately $190 billion in aid to states and school districts. This emergency funding is designed to help address educational issues arising from the pandemic by providing schools with resources to prevent, prepare for, and respond to the COVID-19 crisis.
The ESSER funding program is available until September 2024 and can be used for various expenses related to COVID-19 prevention or response activities that support students’ social-emotional well-being and academic achievement.
These funds also provide crucial support to students who are most impacted by the pandemic, such as English language learners, students with disabilities, low-income students; racial/ethnic minorities; foster youth; homeless youth; and those attending rural schools or participating in certain programs like Title I or IDEA. It is important that schools take advantage of this opportunity provided by the federal government and make sure that resources are allocated effectively so that all students can benefit from this aid.
When it comes to using ESSER funding, there are a few things that schools should keep in mind. First, they must ensure that their use of funds complies with the requirements set forth by the federal government. Schools must also track and report all spending associated with ESSER funding. This includes providing detailed records of how the funds were used and documenting that the money was spent according to their approved plan. Additionally, schools should consider the needs of their students when developing a plan for how ESSER funds will be used.
ESSER funding is vital to helping our nation’s schools and students during this challenging time. School administrators must make sure they use these funds effectively before they expire in September 2024.
How to use ESSER funding before it expires
When using ESSER funding, it is important to ensure that the activities and services funded address the needs of students most impacted by COVID-19. Additionally, schools and districts should focus on student outcomes that are evidence-based and proven to help create equity among all students.
Schools can use their ESSER funds for a variety of expenses such as professional development for teachers and staff, technology needs, expanded learning opportunities, mental health support, tutoring services, and more.
To use the funds wisely before they expire, it is important that schools begin planning now. This includes identifying which students need help the most as well as defining strategies and activities that will help improve students’ learning opportunities in the face of the pandemic.
Using ESSER funding for classroom collaboration
ESSER funding can help schools create more collaborative classrooms. With this funding, schools can invest in the latest technology to foster an interactive learning environment for their students.
Vivi, a screen-sharing and mirroring technology developed specifically for K12 education, is one such solution that can be supported by ESSER funding. Vivi's suite of products and services enables dynamic collaboration opportunities between teachers, students, administrators, and content – all with the simple click of a button. This makes it easy to transform any space with a screen into a truly student-driven learning experience.
With its ability to facilitate active engagement within the classroom and seamless communication across devices, Vivi not only helps further enrich the educational experience but also improves overall efficiency in the classroom. By leveraging existing technologies already present within school systems, Vivi ensures that ESSER funds are put to effective use.
As such, it is no surprise that many schools are turning to ESSER funding as a means of investing in Vivi as an interactive solution that ensures collaborative experiences for digital learners today and into the future.
Learn more about ESSER Funding (what it is, what it can be used for, the opportunity it brings, and the technologies that support it) by downloading our eBook today.
