Understanding ESSER
Many states, districts, and schools are working to continue to close learning gaps from the pandemic and increase student engagement and attendance rates. Remaining ESSER funds can be encumbered in contracts by September, 2024, and liquidated and used over a longer period of time running through March 2026 in order to support these efforts. Linked resources below offer additional guidance and up-to-date information on rules regarding use of these funds.
The Great Schools Partnership provides evidence-based strategies, coaching, and resources to address and support academic achievement and recovery as well as student engagement and attendance efforts in schools. The outlined packages offer clear pathways for re-engaging and supporting students through effective instructional practices, systems of support and intervention, high quality performance assessment, and advisory structures. These supports aim to put best practices and structures in place for sustained improvement. GSP’s coaching support is grounded in our definition of education equity: ensuring just outcomes for each student, raising marginalized voices, and challenging the imbalance of power and privilege.
Additional guidance: The U.S. Department of Education provides updated information, guidance, and timelines related to the use of remaining funds. Districts may also want to reference their local state education association website for additional guidance, timelines, and specifics.
Do note: A liquidation extension is not automatic. Grantees must submit required information and obtain approval from the U.S. Department of Education to receive a liquidation extension for themselves or on behalf of their sub-grantees.
Effective Instructional Practices (EEI)
Evidence-based instructional practices accelerate student academic achievement and improve student engagement. As part of this coaching package, educators will work collaboratively to reflect on current instructional practices and create positive and healthy learning environments that elevate core instructional practices and support consistent student attendance and attainment.
Systems of Support + Intervention (MTSS)
As part of this coaching package, educators will examine models of research-based practices that use attendance, behavior, grade, and assessment data in order to identify areas of support needed across student subgroups. Working with a GSP coach, school leaders will examine sample policies, practices, and approaches to differentiated supports and tiered interventions in order to identify systems that could be implemented in their context and best support the needs of their learners. Educators will build a shared understanding of tier 1 instructional practices to target areas of learning loss, improve engagement, and reduce chronic absenteeism.
High Quality Performance Assessment
The use of authentic, rigorous, relevant assessment to measure student academic progress is an essential component of a high-quality educational system. As part of this coaching package, educators will review and reflect upon criteria for quality summative assessments and work collaboratively to design and refine authentic, student-centered assessment tasks that provide evidence of student learning aligned with grade-level core learning standards.
Re-engaging Students Through Advisory Systems
Student engagement and sense of belonging is a primary driver of attendance and academic performance. Working with a GSP coach, school leaders will collect and review data to evaluate their current school climate and advisory structures in order to design a sustainable approach to creating a positive and supportive learning environment for all students.
Package Inclusions
Each package includes the following deliverables:
- Self-assessment and analysis with leadership team (two meetings, virtual)
- Goal-setting and action planning workshop with leadership team (one meeting, virtual)
- Leadership team coaching, support and resources (eight- ten meetings, virtual and/or in person)
- 3 Onsite Topic-Aligned, GSP Designed Workshops with up to 100 educators (in person)
- Sustainability planning with leadership team (one meeting, virtual)
- Up to five spots in a community of practice (virtual and/or in person)
Need a partner in this most important work?
If you’d like more customized support, we also offer customized coaching packages or add ons to the support packages. Contact Paulina Murton, Managing Director of Engagement & Networking, at (207) 773-0505 or pmurton@greatschoolspartnership.org.