The commitment reflects in the Biden-Harris administration securing $130 billion through the American Rescue Plan to reopen all schools for in-person instruction, improve infrastructure, and provide mental health services, among other initiatives.
The commitment reflects in the Biden-Harris administration securing $130 billion through the American Rescue Plan to reopen all schools for in-person instruction, improve infrastructure, and provide mental health services, among other initiatives.
As students across the United States prepare to return to classrooms, the Biden-Harris Administration is shining a spotlight on their commitment to K-12 education.
Less than half of K-12 students were attending school in person when US President Joe Biden assumed office. With the administration’s swift actions and significant investments, every school in America has reopened for in-person instruction, according to a press release from the White House.
Biden secured $130 billion through the American Rescue Plan to aid schools in safely reopening and addressing the academic and mental health needs of students.
The funding has resulted in the hiring of more teachers, counselors, and social workers, expansion of summer and after-school programs, improved school building infrastructure, and various student support services.
To address the mental health challenges students face, the administration signed the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act into law, allocating $2 billion to the Department of Education for mental health services and training in schools. ED has awarded $286 million across 48 states and D.C. to support mental health services in schools.
The administration is also committed to increasing the adoption of community school models nationwide. These schools offer wraparound services, such as health and nutrition support, leading to improved student attendance and graduation rates.
A call to action to bring 250,000 tutors, mentors, and other support personnel into schools over three years was also launched.
The administration has also worked to rebuild the education workforce after a significant decline during the pandemic. Investments in teacher training programs and apprenticeships have resulted in a rebound in local public education employment.
Additionally, Title I and Individuals with Disabilities Education Act funding received substantial increases, benefiting historically underserved students.
Biden and First Lady Jill Biden will kick off the school year with a visit to Eliot-Hine Middle School in Washington, D.C.
“Back to School Bus Tour 2023: Raise the Bar”
Meanwhile, Education Secretary Miguel Cardona is embarking on a week-long, multi-state road trip from September 5 to September 8.
The tour, titled “Back to School Bus Tour 2023: Raise the Bar,” will showcase the innovative approaches taken by schools, families, and communities to enhance student learning and educational standards.
Stops will include Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Minnesota.
Cardona will emphasize various education issues during the tour, including teacher diversity, access to higher education, online connectivity, and family engagement.
He will also highlight how schools are using pandemic relief funds to strengthen core instruction, provide well-rounded educational opportunities, and support mental health services.
Throughout the tour, Cardona will engage with students, parents, and educators to underscore the administration’s commitment to helping students recover from the pandemic’s impact and achieve academic success.
