Alternative and flexible learning options are on the rise. According to a survey conducted by in January 2023, more than half of all parents considered or are considering choosing a new school for their children and 48% agree that their community does not offer enough education options for them.
Plus, enrollment in public schools As public school funding is often tied directly to school enrollment, administrations are forced to make difficult decisions like reducing staff, combining classes, and cutting specialty programs.
As a former principal in Miami-Dade County Public Schools and now the president and CEO of , I know these decisions are tough, especially when our priority is to do what is best for our students and staff.
The last few years showed us that it鈥檚 time for education leaders to embrace flexible learning environments, like online, blended, and hybrid learning because they empower parents and students to take control of their educational journey and learn in the way that works best for them. Additionally, by doing so, administrators can keep students enrolled in their school or district to help with funding challenges.
One way to create these programs is through a time-sensitive resource that all schools and districts have access to: Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief funds, better known as ESSER.
Implementing and enhancing flexible learning
During the pandemic, Congress passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act to address issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic. In part, the CARES Act established Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief funds to provide funding to states and LEAs impacted by COVID-19-related school closures.
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Thus far, Congress has allotted $190 billion in ESSER funds for schools and districts to allocate to educational programs by Sept. 30, 2023. Of that, $18 billion are at risk of going unused and $46 billion have not been budgeted as school leaders face challenges such as navigating spending requirements, filling vacant positions, and procuring quality vendors, according to McKinsey & Company.
As the Sept. 30 deadline to spend the remaining ESSER II funds quickly approaches, and ARP ESSER funds on Sept. 30, 2024, now is the time for educators to decide how to use the remaining funds to help their students, families, and staff.
My recommendation is that school and district leaders use the ESSER funds to expand innovative programs beyond traditional schooling. These past several years have taught us valuable lessons and amplified what we already know鈥攖he traditional classroom model is not effective for all students because each student learns differently.
Online, blended, and hybrid learning programs provide students with flexibility, accessibility, self-pacing, and one-to-one support from their teachers. For example, if a student masters a concept and is ready to move to the next lesson, they can do so at their pace to get ahead, or if a student needs more time to understand a lesson, they can take the additional time to master a subject. Online learning can also be a positive for families with busy schedules who need flexibility.
Plus, due to technological advancements, online programs have drastically evolved over recent years. Digital courses are now more engaging and effective than ever before. Unlike traditional textbooks, digital courses feature engaging modules with hands-on activities, video lectures, and interactive games to improve learning.
To test student comprehension, courses also feature built-in quizzes and assessments. Teachers now have access to real-time student performance data due to Learning Management System (LMS) advancements, so they can pinpoint where students need the most help.
As school administrators decide what to do with their remaining ESSER funds, I urge them to invest in technology and online programs to advance public education and to meet every student where they are.
