As part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), the U.S. Department of Education made available almost $3 billion for the Governor’s Emergency Education Relief Fund (GEER). Governors across the nation must be strategic with their use of GEER funds to support education in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Right now governors can help students, families and educators in their state respond to and recover from continued effects of COVID-19.
The Sunshine State’s plan outlines numerous initiatives aimed at education support and recovery. The most compelling seek to boost reading proficiency, stem learning loss, and prepare educators for virtual instruction.
In addition to $27 million for devices and internet to bridge the digital divide and $10 million towards early childhood education, the Commonwealth’s plan outlines several other initiatives aimed at education support and recovery, including addressing instructional loss, preparing educators for virtual instruction and supporting students’ social and emotional needs.
This week, Governor Larry Hogan and Superintendent Karen Salmon announced $255 million in education funding to help students affected by the pandemic through innovation grants and targeted tutoring initiatives to support underserved student populations. Additionally, in order to bridge the digital divide, Maryland is investing in broadband infrastructure, beginning with rural communities that currently lack service, and for devices and internet connectivity to enhance distance learning.