The House of Representatives and the Senate are finalizing the guidelines for the third education assistance program for COVID-19 affected school communities.
A third education assistance program
The expected $3 billion budget for the newest version of the education assistance program will be allotted for pre-primary education up to K-12 level improvement. With an indefinite timeframe for the extent of the COVID-19 outbreak, the government is preparing for an extended suspension of physical classes.
Included in the huge budget allotment for the assistance program is handing out devices for almost 300,000 students that do not have access to devices and internet that can be used for virtual lessons.
The budget is subdivided in different allocation purposes as proposed below:
- $600 million will go to early childhood development programs. Needs like additional teaching aides, sanitation utilities, and additional seminars for teachers and staff in handling post-COVID-19 care.
- $3 million will go to the National Child Traumatic Stress Network. The organization is the one in charge of debriefing school administrators and staff regarding mental stress, which is related to the COVID-19 outbreak.
- A large amount is allotted to address the current needs in supporting the education sector in its fight against the spread of the virus. The $1.2 billion funding will go to meal distribution for school staff affected by work suspension, disinfection of education institutions, and information dissemination to fight off the spread of the virus.
K-12 learning in the Big Apple will resume via remote schooling
Remote learning is the solution being considered now prior to the cancellation of classes in K-12 levels starting last Monday till April 20. Before the full implementation of the virtual learning program, teachers and administrators shall first undergo training.
New York City is planning to provide devices for the 300,000 students affected by the class suspension. This will enable them to continue going to school via virtual classrooms. Remote classes enable the students to finish this school year while staying at home due to quarantine measures.
But not all cities can adapt to what New York City is implementing, and other districts cannot sustain the financial aspect needed to sustain a 1:1 ratio for virtual learning devices. The education sector is hoping that additional funding for other education assistance programs on other states and districts will be passed on by the HOR and the Senate.
Featured image by New York Family
