Covid Relief Funding and Academic Recovery: What it means for schools
After a tough school year, many people still have a reason to envy teachers. We all deserve the summer off in 2021, after all. The good news is that along with unprecedented funding, there is a renewed focus on the importance of education and the education system in the United States.
Renewed Focus and Funding
The American Rescue Plan, signed into law this March, opens up historic levels of federal funding to address the loss of learning from the past year. Previously the CARES Act (March 2020) and Covid Relief Package (December 2020) offered relief to hurting schools by helping to close gaps in the 2020 budget. But this new bill increases funding for K-12 to $126 billion, specifying that 20% go directly to academic recovery – referring to the national effort to help students get up to speed on academic performance and improve wellbeing after a challenging year.
Additionally, the plan requires schools to use the funds to expand educational opportunities on evidence-based strategies, which can be used to increase or improve social-emotional health initiatives. Evidence-based SEL programs are scientifically evaluated and grounded in research based on principles of child and teenager development that have been proven to increase student wellbeing. According to the US Department of Education’s COVID handbook, evidence-based strategies include explicitly teaching critical social, emotional, and academic skills outlined in CASEL framework. These competencies include self-awareness, self-management, responsible decision-making, relationship skills, and social awareness.
New Opportunities
New funding gives schools a chance to address everything from physical spaces to staffing needs and school culture. With students, teachers, and families in mind, school leaders are looking to rebuild culture and confidence. Research shows that 70% of school leaders see an increased need for SEL education as students have missed opportunities during online school for improving both social-emotional health and academic performance. Also, we know that SEL impacts academic performance. This extensive funding opens up space to rebuild through comprehensive SEL programs, bringing systemic, positive change to schools nationwide.
About The Social Institute
The Social Institute partners with schools nationwide to empower students, families, and educators to positively navigate social-emotional health, social media, and technology. Schools access our student-respected, turnkey curriculum through WinAtSocial.com, an interactive, gamified learning platform. With solutions for students, parents, and educators, we offer a systemic and comprehensive SEL program through a unique and positive approach. We are proud to serve public and independent partners such as Ravenscroft School, Woodward Academy, Oldfields School, All Saints Episcopal School, Lake Forest School District, Boston Public Schools, and more. For more information on how to empower your students to make high-character decisions online and off, please contact us.