As students and educators conclude a school year like no other, district leaders are looking ahead to 2021-22. Planning has already been underway for months and now, with an infusion of ESSER funding, district leaders are faced with key decisions about how to invest those funds strategically.

According to presenter David Rosenberg, navigating these challenges and opportunities is best approached with a “do now, build toward” mindset. This means that leaders must address critical student needs now and lay a sustainable foundation for lasting improvement.

This PPT is used in David Rosenberg’s AASA July 21 webinar. He analyzes seven key principles for investing ESSER funds strategically to ensure sustainable improvement over the long run. He highlights key considerations for each principle and shares resources to help your district realize its vision for a successful and collaborative reopening of schools.

Rosenberg’s seven principles include the following: (1) Understand and quantify students’ needs; (2) Invest in proven, high-impact strategies; (3) Design new staffing and scheduling models; (4) Design for equity; (5) Plan spending for long-term sustainability; (6) Create system conditions; and (7) Define success, measure, and adjust.