This brief developed by the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) highlights how states used earlier rounds of ESSER funding to close learning gaps and address student social and emotional well-being during the pandemic.
While many legislatures authorized the allocation of ESSER funds through their budget process, some also provided direction on the 10% state set-aside or passed legislation to serve as guidance for district spending of relief funds. Based on a review of ESSER-related legislation, legislatures pursued a range of strategies to meet the academic and mental health needs of students impacted by the pandemic. The Virginia Legislature directed $8.8 million of the ESSER state set-aside to develop a “through year” student growth assessment in grades three through eight, aligned to the Coalition’s framework topic #10, explore and implement new education delivery models.
