Giving Compass' Take:

• Schools are deciding how to allocate state funding budgets for pandemic-related needs and are directing dollars toward closing teacher training and closing the digital divide. 

• Why is prioritizing the digital divide critical for remote student learning and the future of education during COVID-19? Where can donors help fill education needs in their respective states?

•  Learn more about the challenges of COVID-19 and the digital gaps present throughout school districts. 

States will primarily use their portion of the Governor’s Emergency Education Relief Fund to plug remaining holes in students’ access to devices and reliable, high-speed internet access, according to their applications for the block grant. Many will also work to expand and improve the quality of curriculum materials used for distance learning.

Passed as part of the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, the fund allows state leaders broad flexibility in directing the money toward either K-12 or higher education, and most plan to include both systems when distributing the money.

Two states, however — Utah and Vermont — indicated they won't be using the GEER funds for remote learning and provided no additional information.

Several states, such as Arkansas, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Louisiana and South Dakota, will create grant programs for districts. And they’ll give priority in awards to districts serving students with greater needs, such as those with disabilities, English learners and those in low-income and foster families.

“This pandemic has put a significant additional strain on these students, and the state must ensure that their learning and wraparound services remain constant,” reads Kansas’ application, referring to students in foster care. “Additional access to remote mental health services, supports for foster parents and additional lesson plans and best practices will be critical as families and educators enter the summer and prepare for the fall.”

In response to a question in the application, state leaders described the strategies officials used to survey families and educators to determine their needs related to distance learning. And a few noted they are developing or considering a statewide, online education platform with curriculum and instruction — if they don’t already have one.

Read the full article about funding to close the digital divide by Linda Jacobson at Education Dive.