See your state’s allocation here.
While many schools are reevaluating their in-person or virtual learning systems, and many schools pivot back to in-person learning, it’s difficult to be optimistic in the face of overwhelming challenges to get students on the path of success. But considering the inequity gaps heightened and widened by extended school closure and prolonged eLearning, there is a responsibility to request and use this funding to help those students who may have fallen behind. It’s clear that in the fray of tackling the social, emotional, health, and educational needs of all students, certain student populations have been especially impacted by school disruptions.
Without advocating for students in need, the funding could get snapped up by someone else and their priorities, or as billions in CARES funding did—go unused entirely. Being in an eLearning mode for a good portion of the 2019-2020 school year, the lessons for education are clear:
- eLearning is no panacea for anyone—it’s tough on teachers, students, and families
- Economically disadvantaged students are doubly affected—from meal support to lacking access to the tools they need to learn—Chromebooks, internet, etc.
- Students with disabilities face incredible challenges learning more independently on screens without many of the supports they rely heavily on in school.
- English Language Learners (ELLs) face an English-driven interface without the additional supports they rely on to learn.