ARPA Bets Big on Accelerating Learning Recovery

Thank you for registering for our April 13 GLR Learning Tuesdays webinar: ARPA Bets Big on Accelerating Learning Recovery, part of our Learning Loss Recovery Challenge series. Panelists included John B. King of The Education Trust; Patricia Levesque of the Foundation for Educational Excellence; Michael Johnston of Gary Community Investments; and Allen Pratt of the National Rural Education Association. The session was moderated by CGLR Senior Fellow John Gomperts.

This learning conversation focused on the American Rescue Plan Act, which provides more than $160 billion in federal support to states and communities to address the impacts of the pandemic on our K–12 educational system and the child care sector. The discussion focused on the challenges and opportunities inherent in this unprecedented opportunity and the importance of investing wisely, strategically and responsibly to slow, stop and reverse learning loss; accelerate learning; and address the social and emotional needs of students. The panel offered insights, ideas and considerations for communities, including taking stock of “the keepers” — innovative efforts that emerged during the pandemic worth replicating; mental health screening tools; supports and resources for parents; rethinking AmeriCorps to allow more to participate as tutors by considering the National Guard as a model; and much more. The panel also offered clear recommendations for community members to be engaged, demand transparency about the allocation of funds and have their voice heard about what students and families need to not only “build” but “build back better” toward closing achievement and opportunity gaps in their communities.