6/5/2023

How to Implement ESSER for Effective Student Learning and Development

Because of unprecedented disruptions to traditional education, including the shift to remote learning, educators face a growing challenge: an expanding gap in student reading proficiency. Many students did not receive necessary reading instruction during the pandemic, significantly increasing non-proficient readers and creating a literacy crisis. This has widened opportunity gaps and highlighted the urgent need for targeted interventions to address these challenges.

Thankfully, education funding like the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) fund, part of the CARES Act, provides much-needed financial support for school districts during these challenging times. However, the key question remains: How can district and school leaders best utilize these funds to bridge learning gaps and enhance student learning?

Creating an ESSER Fund Implementation Plan

Addressing learning gaps exacerbated by the pandemic requires a comprehensive, strategic, and transparent approach to implementing ESSER funds. These steps can guide you in developing an effective ESSER Fund Implementation Plan.

1. Understand the Situation and Identify Needs

Begin by understanding learning gaps caused by the pandemic, particularly in reading proficiency. Studies suggest average students could lose five to nine months (almost a full academic year) of learning because of disruptions triggered by the shift to remote learning and periods of total school closures. Disadvantaged students are at risk of even more significant losses. Recovery programs (summer school, tutoring, extended school days, and other instructional interventions)—like those ESSER could fund—aim to mitigate this learning loss.

2. Align ESSER Funds With Identified Needs

After thoroughly understanding the current learning situation and identifying areas of need, align your ESSER funds with these needs. According to the U.S. Department of Education, these funds should be primarily used to address the impact of the pandemic on students, particularly those who were most affected. This can include investing in evidence-based literacy programs, high-yield classroom resources, and teacher professional development.

3. Define Roles and Responsibilities

With goals set and resources identified, it's important to define who will be responsible for each task associated with the implementation. Clear roles and responsibilities ensure all tasks are carried out efficiently and effectively. This could include designating a coordinator to oversee the plan's implementation, defining roles for teachers in implementing instructional resources, and assigning responsibilities to data teams for tracking student progress.

4. Establish a Monitoring and Evaluation System

Next, set up a robust monitoring and evaluation system to regularly track progress toward identified goals and adjust strategies as necessary. This can involve using data from educational technology platforms to assess student progress and evaluate the effectiveness of resources purchased with ESSER funds.

Creating specific benchmarks and using data-driven decision-making will provide insight into whether the interventions are working as intended and will allow for timely adjustments to better meet student needs.

5. Ensure Transparency and Accountability

Transparency and accountability are crucial in implementing ESSER funds. Make the plan publicly available and regularly update stakeholders about progress. This should include clear documentation of how funds are being spent and the outcomes of these expenditures. Regular communication with stakeholders, including educators, parents, and the wider community, ensures accountability and builds trust and support.

A well-crafted ESSER Funds Implementation Plan is not just about spending funds wisely. It's about creating a comprehensive strategy that optimally leverages these resources to meet the unique needs of students during these challenging times.

Implementing Your ESSER Funds

We have an unprecedented opportunity to make a transformative difference in our schools and, most importantly, in the lives of our students by ensuring the effective use of ESSER funds. Here are some important points to remember once you have a plan for implementation.

Employ a Data-Driven Approach

Using data-driven educational technology is instrumental in identifying specific areas of need, monitoring progress, adjusting instruction, and evaluating the effectiveness of interventions. Lexia Aspire™ Professional Learning provides comprehensive data insight, enabling educators to tailor instruction effectively and efficiently to address the diverse needs of students.

Invest in Evidence-Based Literacy Programs

An evidence-based literacy program, such as Lexia® Core5® Reading, aligns instruction with how students learn, ensures effective instruction, reduces the likelihood of reading difficulties, and provides a framework for ongoing assessment and instruction.

Leverage the Power of High-Impact, Easy-to-Implement Classroom Resources

High-impact, low-lift resources, like Lexia® English Language Development® and Core5, offer personalized instruction, reduce teacher workload, engage and motivate students, and provide immediate feedback. These resources are ideal for addressing individual needs and improving reading proficiency.

Invest in Teacher Professional Development

Lastly, investing ESSER funds in teacher professional development, like Lexia LETRS®, can deepen educators' understanding of language structure and reading science. This approach enhances teacher knowledge and skills, supports tailored instruction, enables data-informed teaching, and builds a sustainable approach to literacy instruction.

ESSER funds present an opportunity to effectively address learning gaps in reading proficiency the pandemic has exacerbated. The path forward is challenging, but these gaps can be bridged with the proper resources. With the strategic deployment of ESSER funds, we can mitigate the impact of achievement gaps and pave the way for enhanced educational outcomes in the long term. The responsibility is great, but so is the opportunity for transformative change in the educational journey of our students. This is our moment to respond, recover, and reimagine a brighter, more equitable future for all learners.