Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief

Stored: Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief

Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief

Type	Initiative
Sponsor Organization	Office of Elementary and Secondary Education
Top Organization	Department of Education
Creation Legislation	American Rescue Plan Act of 2021
Website	Website
Purpose	ARP ESSER funds states and schools to safely reopen, tackle learning loss, and support students’ academic, social, and mental health needs post-COVID, prioritizing equity for those hit hardest.
Program Start	2021
Initial Funding	$122 billion
Duration	Ends September 30, 2024
Historic	No

The Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ARP ESSER), part of American Rescue Plan, aims to provide significant financial support to states and school districts to safely reopen schools, address learning loss, and meet the academic, social, emotional, and mental health needs of students in response to the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. It focuses on equitable distribution of resources to address the needs of students most impacted by the crisis, providing funds for school operations, educational recovery, and support services.

Official Site

Goals

• Safely reopen schools for in-person learning.
• Address academic, social, emotional, and mental health needs of students, with a focus on those disproportionately affected by the pandemic.
• Mitigate learning loss through evidence-based interventions like summer enrichment, after-school programs, and tutoring.
• Equitably expand educational opportunities and support.

Organization

The ARP ESSER is managed by the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education (OESE) within the U.S. Department of Education. State Educational Agencies (SEAs) distribute funds to Local Educational Agencies (LEAs) based on Title I allocations, ensuring that schools serving high-poverty communities receive significant support. The initiative is overseen by various decision-makers at federal, state, and local levels, with specific roles for superintendents, school boards, and educational leaders in planning and execution.

Partners

• U.S. Department of Education
• State Educational Agencies
• Local Educational Agencies

History

ARP ESSER was established under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, signed into law on March 11, 2021, as part of a broader effort to address the impacts of the COVID-19 crisis on education. This initiative builds on previous emergency funds (ESSER I and II) but with a much larger allocation to support recovery efforts from the educational disruptions. There have been no significant changes to the program's structure since its inception, but the focus has remained on achieving equitable educational recovery.

Funding

The program was initially funded with $122 billion, making it the largest educational investment ever made by Congress. Funding began in 2021 with states receiving allocations in phases. The funds must be obligated by September 30, 2024, with a liquidation period extending to January 28, 2025. Additional funding has not been authorized beyond this, as this initiative is designed to address immediate recovery needs from the pandemic.

Implementation

Implementation involves states developing plans for the use of ARP ESSER funds, which are reviewed and approved by the U.S. Department of Education. These plans detail how funds will be used for safe school reopening, addressing learning loss, and supporting student well-being. School districts then craft their own plans within the state framework, focusing on specific local needs. There's a clear end date for when the funds must be fully obligated, ensuring a timeline for program activities.

Related

• Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act)
• Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSA)
• Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund (ESSER)

External links

• https://oese.ed.gov/offices/american-rescue-plan/american-rescue-plan-elementary-and-secondary-school-emergency-relief/
• wikipedia:American Rescue Plan Act of 2021

Social media

• There are no specific social media accounts for ARP ESSER; however, related updates can be found on the U.S. Department of Education's social media.