What is the CARES Act?

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act is a $2 trillion relief package that included $180 billion to be distributed among two funds dedicated to State, Local, and Tribal governments

 Education Stabilization Fund (ESF) provides $30.74 billion in dedicated funds to support education relief and recovery efforts, with:

  • $13.5 billion for K-12;
  • $14.2 billion for Higher Education; and,
  • $3 billion for Governors to further support a state’s most significantly impacted K-12 and Higher Education institutions.

Arizona received $626 million in Education Stabilization Funds.

The Arizona Department of Education (ADE) will administer the ESSER Fund, and advise the Governor regarding the distribution of a portion of GEER Funds to support K-12 LEAs that have been significantly impacted by COVID-19.

 

How has the Arizona Department of Education leveraged their CARES Act dollars? 

Educator Recruitment and Retention 

  • Arizona Virtual Teacher Institute
    • Free professional development for all Arizona educators teaching in hybrid or virtual settings. The institute is sponsored by a partnership with Helios, ASU, and the Governor’s office
  • Center for Recruitment and Retention of Mathematics Teachers (CRR)
    • CRR has provided excellent professional development opportunities for teachers in Southern Arizona for nearly 20 years. With this new partnership with the Arizona Department of Education, they will now be able to offer our services state-wide in support of our mission to ensure that every student has a highly qualified mathematics teacher. This partnership will allow us to provide free online and hybrid training opportunities to all K-12 Arizona teachers of Mathematics. Free workshops will be designed to deepen teachers' mathematical understanding, promote hands-on, student-centered lessons, examine alternative ways to present particular topics, including using technology, develop effective pedagogical practices, and model effective teaching.

 

Supporting Students 

  • Acceleration Academies provide targeted funding to local education agencies (LEAs) that were most impacted by COVID-19. Each county has received funding for at least one Acceleration Academy. Learn more HERE. 

 

Supporting families 

  • Twice during this crisis, the Arizona Department of Education provided federal recovery funds to the Boys and Girls Club of Arizona and the YMCA of Arizona to aid their efforts to provide extended hours and a safe, supportive learning environment for the children of essential workers and families in need. Their efforts were essential to supporting our schools – and the parents working tirelessly on the frontlines of this virus. The latest investment is highlighted HERE.