Gov. J.B. Pritzker and other state officials Wednesday laid out a plan for how they intend to spend $7 billion in federal funding over the next several years helping students transition back to in-person learning after the COVID-19 pandemic.
The federal Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund program is sending $7.8 billion to Illinois for education, with $7 billion being sent directly to school districts over 3 years. To assist districts, the Illinois P-20 council has released the “Learning Renewal Resource Guide,” which includes expert recommendations on those funds can be best spent to help students.
At a press conference at South Elgin High School, Pritzker said the pandemic has placed an unprecedented burden on parents, teachers, administrators, and especially students.
“Over the last year I've spoken with so many of you who are so worried about what the future may hold for them. We're here today to take a little bit of that worry off your plates. … I'm very pleased to announce that thanks to the American Rescue Plan about $7 billion will be available over the next three years to renew K-12 learning for Illinois students -- an unparalleled influx of resources with which we can do truly right by our students,” the governor said.
“With these enormous new resources comes the great challenge that most districts have never had to face: how to avoid having the last 12 months become a lost year for our students.”
The recommendations in the resource guide are not intended to be a perfect fit for every district and Pritzker suggested each district work with their unique community resources to identify what works best for them. At the state level, the governor said they are focusing on four key areas: high-impact tutoring, social and emotional learning, interim assessment guidance, and bridge transitions that will encourage enrollment in early childhood education and higher education.
Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton said the resource guide will be continually updated as it is used throughout the state and districts provide feedback on what practices are effective or not. The guide was developed in partnership with multiple organizations, including the Illinois State Board of Education, Illinois Board of Higher Education, Illinois Community College Board, Illinois Student Assistance Commission, and the Governor’s Office of Early Childhood Development.
Allison F. Richard
Legislative Consultant
