Learning Acceleration/ESSER Plan

 

In recognition of the immense challenges facing students, educators, staff, schools, Local Education Agencies (LEAs), and State Education Agencies (SEAs), Congress has made emergency funds available to prevent, prepare for, and respond to COVID-19, first through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act, Public Law 116-136, div. B, tit. VIII, section 18003, enacted on March 27, 2020; next through the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations (CRRSA) Act, 2021, Public Law 116-260, section 313, enacted on December 27, 2020; and, most recently and significantly, through the ARP Act, Public Law 117-2, section 2001, enacted on March 11, 2021.

 

An LEA may use its ARP ESSER funds for a wide variety of activities related to educating students during the COVID-19 pandemic and addressing the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on students and educators. For example, an LEA may use the ARP ESSER funds to maintain the health and safety of students and school staff as they return to in-person instruction.

 

An LEA may also use the ARP ESSER funds to address the academic, social, emotional, and mental health needs of its students.

 

At least 20 percent of the funds must be used to measure and address the academic impact of lost instructional time on all students, through the implementation of evidence-based interventions.

 

 

    ESSER I: $14,752 (from TEA)
                    $168,000 (From WILCO)
    ESSER II $51,235 (Tech connectivity program)
                    $70,994       
    ESSER III $159,442
    ESSER III SUPPLEMENTAL $1,068,906

 

 

ESSER I fund: Technology, distance learning additional staffing and equipment, cleaning and sanitation of facilities, supplies, programs and equipment to facilitate safety measures needed due to the pandemic, instructional materials and supplies (2019-20 and 2020-21)

ESSER II fund: Additional computers and other technology to connect students and teachers during distance learning (2020-21). Planned expense: Instructional materials and supplies 2021-22

ESSER III fund: Summer programs to address instructional needs due to pandemic-related learning loss and gaps in student growth, beginning June 2021; additional staffing to address learning loss and COVID-related absences; technology needs, high-quality instructional materials, professional development, materials for monitoring and assessing learning progress, tutoring and other intervention services across all grades and subjects; facility cleaning and other measures to ensure a safe learning environment; building modifications to provide additional space for instructional intervention; other operational expenses not covered due to flat funding from the state 

Meridian anticipates that a minimum of 30% funds will directly impact learning loss from the pandemic.