ARP ESSER Guide for Learning Loss Project
20%--Focus on Learning Loss
1%--After School Programs
1%--Summer Learning Programs
Focus on Learning Loss
Act 24 of 2021 appropriated approximately $250 million in American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act Elementary and Secondary School Education Relief (ESSER) State Reserve funds to school districts and charter schools to address gaps in students' learning and social and emotional wellness through the implementation of evidence-based interventions. Under the ARP ESSER plan, twenty percent (20%) of each local education agency's (LEA) allocation must be used to address student learning, one percent (1%) for after school programs, and one percent (1%) for summer learning programs. LEAs are to implement evidence-based interventions that address the needs of students and subgroups of students most impacted by COVID-19.
When planning ARP ESSER spending to address specific student needs, it is important that LEAs adopt a systematic approach to examine all components of the LEA's assessment cycle, after school programs, and opportunities for summer learning. To support LEAs in their decisions, the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) has provided a Decision Tree that connects directly with the resources and tools in the Accelerated Learning toolkit. This Decision Tree is focused on the following components: Focus on Quality Assessment, Focus on Quality Instruction, After School Programs, and Summer Learning Programs.