Maximize Your ESSER Funds with Summer Curriculum Work

Summer is one of the busiest times of the year for educators in curriculum roles. Common tasks include reviewing curriculum based on test score analysis, updating the scope and sequence, integrating new standards released from the state, and deciding what new curriculum to purchase.

While teachers are the most important factor of success in the classroom, a high-quality curriculum is the driver behind the critical job of educating students. It is imperative that all stakeholders understand that curriculum and instruction are the cornerstone of successful schools and student achievement. Summer is a wonderful time to engage and build capacity with all instructional leaders, from teachers and principals to instructional coaches and district curriculum staff.

This year, a new element has been introduced to summer work – ESSER funds. Districts have been given the flexibility to use their ESSER funds on resources necessary for principals and school leaders to address the needs of their schools and students. Allowable expenses include professional learning experiences and the purchase of educational technology, like Embarc (formerly BYOC), to help facilitate a successful return to school in the fall, recover unfinished learning, and ensure an aligned, coordinated educational experience for all students.

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The unfortunate reality is school districts spend countless dollars each year on curriculum resources that are rarely used, software that is seldom accessed, and programs that are not implemented effectively. Many of these resources – some very expensive – are purchased and placed on a shelf, underutilized and even abandoned. While additional programs and curriculum may truly be necessary, these purchases alone won’t give teachers the guaranteed, viable curriculum needed to ensure student achievement.  

Consider these guiding questions as you perform your summer curriculum audit, evaluate new and existing educational technology, and plan professional learning experiences:

• Did teachers use the curriculum we have already purchased and how do we know?  
• How are we receiving feedback from those using the curriculum resources already in place?
• What gaps in achievement have been identified?
• What resources do we have or need to address student learning?
• How are we providing support for our teachers to effectively access and utilize these resources?

Our team at Education Advanced works with districts across the nation to analyze curriculum, ensure it is being used with fidelity, and develop a plan that will help school leaders:

• Establish curriculum processes for unpacking and aligning the standards
• Centralize resources for teachers to effectively plan towards student mastery of learning targets
• Provide opportunities to gather data on what is used and how to gather data effectively

Summer is the perfect time to step back, review your mission, and build a plan to improve your curriculum-driven instructional practices. Providing equitable access for every child in your district depends upon a well-designed, curriculum-driven instructional model. With Embarc (formerly BYOC), you can build a collaborative and consistent curriculum, while facilitating continuous, data-driven improvement for ongoing district-wide curriculum success.