WEBINAR RECORDING
Understanding ESSER:
A Once in a Lifetime Opportunity
On this webinar, we explore and explain the impact of the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) Fund and how your music program may qualify for funding.
6:02 – Start of the webinar
7:20 – What is ESSER?
10:22 – Understanding the Structure of the Bill
16:00 – What Can the Funds be Used For?
20:00 – Is this available for Charter/Private Schools?
20:45 – If my school isn’t Title I, does my program still get something?
22:12 – COVID-19 Impact Report
44:14 – Your Final COVID Impact Report | Presenting to Administration
45:50 – Tools to help secure funding
50:49 – Q&A
Access the ESSER Worksheet
Additional resources
Letter of professional development
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the qualifying criteria?
- Planning for school closures.
- Provide resources needed to address coronavirus.
- Support efforts to improve preparedness.
- Addressing learning loss especially among disadvantaged students
- Training staff to sanitize schools and proper use of (PPE).
- Purchasing the hardware and software needed to conduct remote and hybrid learning.
- Providing services to support student mental health.
- Supporting after school and summer learning programs.
- Using evidence-based approaches to address learning loss.
- Repairing school facilities, especially ventilation systems, to reduce spread of Covid.
Which apply to music?
- Provide resources needed to address coronavirus.
- Addressing learning loss especially among disadvantaged students
- Training staff to sanitize schools and proper use of (PPE).
- Purchasing the hardware and software needed to conduct remote and hybrid learning.
- Providing services to support student mental health.
- Supporting after school and summer learning programs.
- Using evidence-based approaches to address learning loss.
- Repairing school facilities, especially ventilation systems, to reduce spread of Covid.
What should I ask for:
Ask for things that meet the criteria and that you genuinely need. If you ask for things outside of this, you will not be taken seriously and your entire request will likely be ignored. Here are benchmark questions provided by the Department of Education:
- Will the proposed use of funds “prevent, prepare for, and respond to Coronavirus?”
- Is it an allowable use of funds under the CARES Act?
- Is it reasonable and necessary?
- Does it promote equity?
- Does it support returning students to the classroom?
If you answered yes to ANY of these, then your request is legitimate and proper.
I filled out my Google Sheet, what do I do then?
- Prioritize your needs.
- Itemize and align to the appropriate pillar/qualifier.
- Submit your docs, impact report, and cover letter to your district and administration.
Where should my request go?
All decisions are locally made, so it will be someone in your school system. Meet with your building principal first and share what you have done and ask what the next steps should be.
I submitted it and was told that the money was going to building repairs, is that true?
No, the law stipulates that at least 20% of allocated funds go to remediation of instruction.
They say they will not fund anything in music, how should I respond?
Tell them that “no other curricula has been more adversely impacted, so no other curricula is more deserving of funds.” I would also remind them that investing in music is investing in the best students on their campus, and that it pays dividends in so many other areas.
When should I do this?
NOW! The early bird gets the worm. Request before the money is already allocated.
My district says they did not get any ESSER Funds. Is that true?
Every public and charter school was eligible to receive a minimum per student allocation. Tell them to check their bank account again 🙂 You can use the link on this landing page to see exactly how much money your district received.
Did charter school receive ESSER funds?
Yes! Each Governor also received allotments for religious schools and can disperse them as they see fit.
Should I request a new or improved facility?
This could fall under ESSER, however the timelines associated with architects, planning and construction make it unlikely to be approved.