States and districts can fund wraparound services to help students experiencing homelessness overcome COVID's impacts, stay in school and participate in school-related activities.

State ESSER plans are required as a condition of receiving a portion of the more than $122 billion in funds authorized by the American Rescue Plan Act.

Legislation includes $36 billion for Title I, Part A, an increase of $19.5 billion over the FY 2021 enacted level, as well as $15.5 billion for IDEA Part B, a $3.1 billion increase over FY 2021 levels.

Education Secretary Miguel Cardona said equity will be a focus of ED and be infused in its efforts for the next four years. "These next months and years will determine the trajectory of success for millions of students in our care. This is our moment."

Increased K-12 spending and COVID relief funds comes after years of underinvestment in K-12 education, Education Secretary Miguel Cardona says.

Department of Education urges action on learning loss and achievement gaps, access to learning resources and opportunities, and English learner participation.

The U.S. Education Department released its long-awaited FAQ on allowably using funds allocated through ESSER and GEER on May 26, providing answers to questions state and local educational agencies had on numerous issues, including construction and renovation, as well as providing vaccinations to students and staff.

The program provides flexibility to consolidate federal, state, and local funding to create a single school funding system based on weighted per-pupil allocations for low-income and other disadvantaged students.