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State Plan for the American Rescue Plan Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund — Louisiana (Signed 6/7/2021)

Summary

Louisiana's state plan for the American Rescue Plan Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ARP ESSER) Fund, on the U.S. Department of Education template issued April 21, 2021, signed for the state by Cade Brumley on 6/7/2021. The template says the fund provides nearly $122 billion to States to help schools reopen safely and meet student needs arising from the COVID-19 pandemic. Louisiana names prioritizing in-person learning, high-dosage tutoring and a continued focus on school improvement best practices as its most effective strategies. It lists unfinished learning, student engagement and attendance, and infrastructure shortages such as broadband as its top issues. The plan reports 665,467 students enrolled in K-12 public schools, 52.48% of whom receive free and reduced lunch.

Summary drafted by a model from the document's text below and checked by script against that text before publication. It is a navigation aid, not a reading of what the document proves. Where AI is used

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Congressional materials
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Ppr Int 870Ab54365910840 Pdf 0126523479
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Ppr Int 870Ab54365910840 Pdf 0126523479

Cite this document

“State Plan for the American Rescue Plan Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund — Louisiana (Signed 6/7/2021).” Original at www.ed.gov. Archived at Pandemic Darlings, https://pandemicdarlings.com/source-documents/ppr-int-870ab54365910840-pdf-0126523479/, SHA-256 a70554d29ab9c8f4618237721c4e81191d0211f69aa8506b878c8ea411b04792.

Full text

                                   State Plan for the
      American Rescue Plan Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund




                                        U.S. Department of Education

                                             Issued: April 21, 2021




                                         OMB Number: 1810-0754
                                      Expiration Date: October 31, 2021



Paperwork Burden Statement According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, no persons are required to
respond to a collection of information unless such collection displays a valid OMB control number. The valid OMB
control number for this information collection is 1810-0754. Public reporting burden for this collection of
information is estimated to average 100 hours per response, including time for reviewing instructions, searching
existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of
information. The obligation to respond to this collection is required to obtain or retain benefit under Section 2001 of
the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARP Act). If you have any comments concerning the accuracy of the time
estimate, suggestions for improving this individual collection, or if you have comments or concerns regarding the
status of your individual form, application or survey, please contact Britt Jung, Office of State and Grantee
Relations, Office of Elementary and Secondary Education, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue,
SW, Washington, DC 20202-6450, email: SGR@ed.gov directly.
Introduction
The American Rescue Plan Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (“ARP
ESSER”) Fund, authorized under the American Rescue Plan (“ARP”) Act of 2021, provides
nearly $122 billion to States to support the Nation’s schools in safely reopening and sustaining
safe operations of schools while meeting the academic, social, emotional, and mental health
needs of students resulting from the coronavirus disease 2019 (“COVID-19”) pandemic. It is
particularly important that ARP ESSER funding will enable States and local educational
agencies (“LEAs”), and more directly schools, to support students who have been most severely
impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and are likely to have suffered the most because of
longstanding inequities in our communities and schools that have been exacerbated by the
COVID-19 pandemic.
The U.S. Department of Education (“Department”) is committed to working in partnership with
States so that these unprecedented resources are quickly put to work to ensure students have
sustained access to in-person instruction and that the resources are used to provide the effective
support students need as they persist through and recover from the impacts of the COVID-19
pandemic. The thoughtful and timely use of these funds will have a lasting impact on our
Nation’s schools and help to address the inequities in resources, services, and opportunities
available to our students.
This template presents an opportunity for States to share their plans for the use of ARP ESSER
funds with the public. The Department must approve a State educational agency’s (“SEA’s”)
plan in order to make the State’s remaining ARP ESSER allocation available for use. Please note
that the Department intends to issue ARP ESSER reporting requirements separately.


Instructions
Each SEA must provide descriptions and other information that address each requirement listed
below. An SEA may use this template or another format as long as every item and element is
addressed in the SEA’s response. Throughout this document, questions that refer to an SEA’s
ARP ESSER funding are referencing the total allocation to be received by the SEA, including
that which it allocates to its LEAs.
Each SEA must submit to the Department by June 7, 2021, either: (1) its ARP ESSER plan or
(2) the State requirements that preclude submission of the plan by that date and a date by which
it will be able to submit its complete ARP ESSER plan.
To submit the SEA’s plan, please email the plan to your Program Officer at
[State].OESE@ed.gov (e.g., Alabama.OESE@ed.gov).

In order to ensure transparency, the Department will post each plan on the Department’s website
when it is received and will indicate each plan’s approval status.

This template also allows States to fulfill the requirement of the Coronavirus Response and
Relief Supplemental Appropriations (“CRRSA”) Act ESSER II 6-month reporting requirement
in section 313(f) of the CRRSA Act.



                                                                                                     2
Cover Page


Grantee and Contact Information


ARP ESSER PR Award Number (e.g., S425U210003):

SEA Contact: Quentina Timoll

Telephone: 225-342-9763


Email address: Quentina.timoll@la.gov



 By signing this document, I agree to each of the assurances listed in Appendix C and
 further assure that:
 To the best of my knowledge and belief, all information and data included in this plan
 are true and correct.

 Chief State School Officer or Authorized Representative (Printed
 Name)
   Cade Brumley
 Signature of Authorized SEA Representative                                     Date:

                                                                                6/7/2021




                                                                                           3
A. Describing the State’s Current Status and Needs
The Department recognizes the extraordinary efforts made by States, LEAs, and educators to
support students during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this section, SEAs will describe the
progress they have made, the priorities and student needs guiding their ARP ESSER funding
decisions, and their current and projected operating status.
       1. Progress and Promising Practices: Provide your assessment of the top 2-3 strategies
          that have been most effective in supporting the needs of students in your State during
          the COVID-19 pandemic, especially for students most impacted by the COVID-19
          pandemic. Please include, if applicable, how your State will submit and encourage its
          LEAs to submit lessons learned and best practices to the Department’s Safer Schools
          and Campuses Best Practices Clearinghouse so that they can be shared with other
          States and LEAs.

                 Prioritizing in-person learning
                 High-dosage tutoring
                 Continued focus on school improvement best practices

           The Louisiana Department of Education hosts monthly roundtable system leader
           meetings with Superintendents, Chief Academic Officers, and other System-level
           leadership roles. To build upon the round table experience, the Department will
           inform LEAs of the opportunity to submit lessons learned and best practices
           implemented through the Louisiana State Department of Education’s newsletter.
           During the 2020-2021 school year, LDOE also developed a Models of Excellence
           initiative that recognizes educational excellence in the state by honoring schools that
           serve as a state model in meeting one of the Louisiana Department of Education’s
           Believe to Achieve Education Priorities.


       2. Overall Priorities: Provide your assessment of the top 2-3 issues currently facing
          students and schools across your State as a result of or in response to the COVID- 19
          pandemic including, to the extent possible, data illustrating why these are the most
          critical and/or most widespread issues facing schools and students.

                 Unfinished learning
                 Student engagement and attendance
                 Infrastructure shortages (broadband, wifi, and connectivity)
                     *Data related to these top 3 priorities is accessible via the Winter
                     Strong Start Report.

       3. Identifying Needs of Underserved Students: Describe your State’s 2-3 highest
          priority academic, social, emotional, and/or mental health needs for the remainder of
          the 2020-2021 school year (if applicable) and for the 2021-2022 school year related
          to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on each of the following student groups:
               i.       Students from low-income families,
              ii.       Students from each racial or ethnic group (e.g., identifying disparities
                        and focusing on underserved student groups by race or ethnicity),
                                                                                                 4
 iii.          Gender (e.g., identifying disparities and focusing on underserved
               student groups by gender),
 iv.           English learners,
  v.           Children with disabilities (including infants, toddlers, children, and
               youth with disabilities eligible under the Individuals with Disabilities
               Education Act (“IDEA”)),
  vi.          Students experiencing homelessness,
 vii.          Children and youth in foster care,
viii.          Migratory students, and
  ix.          Other groups disproportionately impacted by the pandemic that have
               been identified by the SEA (e.g., youth involved in the criminal justice
               system, students who have missed the most in-person instruction during
               the 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 school years, students who did not
               consistently participate in remote instruction when offered during
               school building closures, and LGBTQ+ students).


  Below are the three highest priority needs across all student groups based on an
  analysis of the fall and winter Strong Start Survey results.

        Unfinished learning
        Student engagement and attendance
        Infrastructure shortages (broadband, wifi, and connectivity)


        To the extent possible, this description should include data on indicators such as
        estimates of the academic impact of lost instructional time,1 chronic
        absenteeism, student engagement, and social-emotional well-being.
        Complete the table below, adding rows as necessary, or provide a narrative
        description.
        Table A1.

          Student Group                                Students Served
          Students from low-income families            The Louisiana Department of
                                                       Education has 665,467 total students
                                                       enrolled in K-12 public schools.
                                                       52.48% of those students receive free
                                                       and reduced lunch. As of February
                                                       2021, there were a total of 481,767 K-
                                                       12 public 2 ED students. In the 2020-
                                                       2021 school year, districts throughout
                                                       the state opened for on-site instruction
                                                       and hybrid instruction.

          Students from each racial or ethnic          There are a total of 282,287 black
          background used by the State for reporting   students within the state of Louisiana.
                                                                                                 5
       purposes – please add a row for each racial
       or ethnic group (e.g., identifying            There are a total of 289,691 white
       disparities and focusing on underserved       students within the state of Louisiana.
       student groups by race/ethnicity)
                                                     There are a total of 10,806 Asian
                                                     students within the state of Louisiana.

                                                     There are a total of 57,769 Hispanic
                                                     students within the state of Louisiana.

       Students by gender – please add a row for     There are a total of 325,224 female
       each gender (e.g., identifying disparities    students within the state of Louisiana.
       and focusing on underserved student
       groups by gender)                             There are a total of 340,243 male
                                                     students within the state of Louisiana.
       English Learners                              There are a total of 27,005 EL students
                                                     within the state of Louisiana.

       Children with disabilities                    There are a total of 84,472 students
                                                     with disabilities within the state of
                                                     Louisiana.

       Students experiencing homelessness            There are a total of 11,336 homeless
                                                     students within the state of Louisiana.

       Children and youth in foster care             There are a total of 3,115 children and
                                                     youth students in foster care within the
                                                     state of Louisiana.
       Migratory students                            There are a total of 10,954 migratory
                                                     students within the state of Louisiana.
       Other groups of students identified by the    Approximately 16,000 students were
       State (e.g., youth involved in the criminal   not engaged in the public school system
       justice system, students who have missed      based on enrollment counts from 2/1/20
       the most in-person instruction during the     to 10/1/21. A high percentage of those
       2019-2020 and 2020-2021 school years,         16,000 students are from grades 3 and
       students who did not consistently             below.
       participate in remote instruction when
       offered during school building closures,
       LGBTQ+ students)

4. Understanding the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic: Describe how the SEA
   will support its LEAs in identifying the extent of the impact of the COVID-19
   pandemic on student learning and student well-being, including identifying the
   groups of students most impacted by the pandemic. Where possible, please
   identify the data sources the SEA will suggest its LEAs use in thoughtfully
   diagnosing areas of need, including data on the academic, social, emotional, and
   mental health impacts of lost instructional time.


                                                                                               6
During the 2020-2021 school year, Louisiana remained committed to providing
information on student academic progress to school systems and families.

The Louisiana Department of Education continued to collect CLASS® data
through observations of all publicly funded infant, toddler, and pre-K classrooms
statewide. While the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education provided
flexibilities in the number of required observations as well as the annual publication
of Performance Profiles for the 2020-2021 school year, this data will continue to be
useful in identifying the impact of COVID-19 on students’ experiences and
identifying the groups of students most impacted by COVID-19. In 2020-2021,
community network-led agencies were expected to complete at least one CLASS®
observation of all publicly funded classrooms, providing teachers and site-level
leaders with helpful feedback to ensure all children experience high-quality
interactions. School system leaders, community network leaders, and state decision
makers will be able to use this data to identify the impacts of COVID-19 and target
interventions to ensure all children in Louisiana receive high-quality interactions in
early childhood settings.

In grades K-3, school systems administered a literacy screener to each student
within the first 30 days of the school year. This data allowed school systems to
begin the year understanding the impact that spring 2020 closures may have had on
individual students. Students’ scores at each grade level are reported as either “On
or Above Benchmark” or “Below Benchmark.” Students who score “Below
Benchmark” are considered “at risk” for reading difficulties according to the
developers of the assessments. Fall 2020 results revealed that 40.4% of
kindergarten students, 42.3% of first graders, 48.4% of second graders, and 49.5%
of third graders scored “On or Above Benchmark” for the measured skills. Overall,
literacy screening results over the past three years have declined. This means fewer
children are reading on grade level and more children are identified as “at risk” for
reading failure each year. The decline in scores from 2019 to 2020 is in part a result
of the COVID-19 pandemic resulting in a loss of instruction in the spring of
2020. (Fall 2020 Reading Report: School, District, and State Results for
Kindergarten through Grade Three).

LDOE will allocate ESSER III funds to provide literacy screeners to school
systems. The Department will also allocate ESSER III funds on The Science of
Reading initiative to improve literacy scores within the state and decrease the
number of students “at risk” for reading difficulties.

In past years, the literacy screener results were mirrored in Louisiana’s third-grade
ELA LEAP outcomes. Though LEAP scores have increased slightly over the last
three years, still fewer than half of all third graders achieved mastery in reading. In
Spring 2019, 46% of third grade students achieved mastery. Due to the COVID-19
pandemic, the LEAP assessment was not administered in Spring 2020.

Louisiana administered LEAP assessments in grades 3-8 and high school during
Spring 2021. These annual assessments in English Language Arts, mathematics,
                                                                                     7
social studies, and science will provide information on which students have met
grade-level standards and which students are struggling to meet grade-level
standards. LDOE will use this data to inform decisions on supporting school
systems in the 2021-2022 school year.

Also of note is the large percentage of school systems that have adopted high-
quality instructional materials. Throughout the 2020-2021 school year, high-quality
instructional materials provided formative assessments that allowed teachers to
monitor student progress throughout the year. Below is a table that contains the
percentage of school systems implementing Tier 1 curriculum in at least one grade
band for ELA or math during the 2020-2021 school year.

    School Label             Percentage Implementing Tier 1 Curriculum

    CIR/UIR-A                100%

    Non-CIR/UIR/A            81.5%

    All school systems       93.5%

As the 2021-2022 school year begins, continued administration of literacy
screeners and LEAP 2025 assessments and continued use of high-quality
instructional materials will help ensure that LEAs can identify the extent of the
impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on student learning.

During the 2020-2021 school year, the Louisiana Department of Education also
supported school systems in supporting the well-being of all students and educators
by recommending social, emotional, and mental health supports, including mental
health screenings upon return to school. The Department provided access to a
mental health screener and additional supports for students who qualify for trauma
support services.

In preparation for the 2020-2021 school year, the Louisiana Department of
Education published guidance for school systems to assist in the development and
utilization of Well-Being Leadership Teams (WBLT) at each site. WLBTs were
primarily responsible for identifying and responding to needs of the school
community, curating and distributing resources and supporting families in
crisis. Specifically, this guidance outlined best practices in identifying and
responding to needs as determined by the selection and administration of
appropriate screeners, the implementation of evidence-based, culturally responsive
social, emotional and behavioral interventions within a multi-tiered framework,
determining a plan for checking on the general well-being of staff, and continually
assessing the climate and well-being of students and staff using a survey to monitor
school culture and climate.

To assist LEAs in the selection and administration of appropriate screeners, the
Department researched a variety of universal social, emotional, and behavioral
                                                                                    8
screeners. Each screener was evaluated against criteria in four key areas: the given
student population and developmental appropriateness; personnel needed to
administer the screener; feasibility and usability of the screener; and the time
necessary to fully execute each step of the screening process from preparing to
administer the screener to analyzing results and using those results to determine
actionable next steps. Following this review, three screeners were recommended to
LEAs: the Student Risk Screening Scale - Internalizing and Externalizing (SRSS-
IE); the Social Academic and Emotional Behavior Risk Screener (SAEBRS); and
the Behavior Assessment System for Children, Third Edition (BASC-3).

Additionally, the Department published the Louisiana Student Well-Being Vendor
Guide to assist LEAs in supporting the well-being of students by focusing on three
critical areas: prioritizing positive, intentional relationships between and among
students, staff and families; attending to students’ individual needs; and responding
to student behavior with appropriate support.

In terms of prioritizing positive, intentional relationships, the Student Well-Being
Vendor Guide serves to provide LEAs with a vetted list of vendors and resources to
build strong, sustaining, and authentic relationships across a variety of educational
communities (e.g. student to student, staff to staff, staff to student, and staff to
families). Regarding increased attention on individual student needs, the guide
provides access to vendors and training in the areas of Tier II and Tier III evidence-
based interventions, universal mental health screeners, and external service
providers. Lastly, the Student Well-Being Vendor Guide prioritizes appropriate
responses to student behavior, including training and materials related to trauma-
informed practices, establishing culturally responsive leadership practices,
implementing de-escalation practices, and ensuring that the proper policies and
protocols are in place at school sites to effectively determine when student behavior
should be addressed through increased support versus disciplinary referrals and/or
action.

At the beginning of the 2020-2021 school year, the Louisiana Department of
Education collected data from LEAs on the resources or strategies that would be
used to support student well-being, as well as the mental health screeners that
would be administered. During the winter, Louisiana also collected data from
various stakeholders on the successes, challenges, and recommendations related to
student well-being and mental health.

The Department is continuing to prioritize the well-being of students and staff
through several key initiatives, including a one-million-dollar initiative with
Louisiana’s largest healthcare provider (Ochsner Health) to provide all birth
through 12th (B-12) grade public school educators with access to free virtual
teletherapy sessions conducted by qualified mental health
practitioners. Additionally, the Department plans to continue supporting
communities of care in Louisiana’s schools with a renewed focus on, and increased
funding support to, expanding access to qualified school social workers and mental
health professionals in LEAs statewide. As an example, the LDOE is currently
                                                                                   9
                  working to operationalize an innovative funding “match” in which the Department
                  will cover 50% of salaries and benefits for school social workers in LEAs that
                  agree to fund the remaining portion of salaries and benefits for these individuals
                  over the course of the next three years. Furthermore, in partnership with Louisiana
                  State University, the Department has offered intensive professional development to
                  a subset of schools and systems with a history of exclusionary disciplinary practices
                  focused on the integration of academic instruction and social-emotional learning
                  (SELA). With the use of ESSER funding, the Department looks forward to
                  expanding these professional development opportunities and building upon lessons
                  learned in the 2020-2021 school year to implement a tailored, evidence-based
                  statewide strategy to enhance the social and emotional learning of students and the
                  overall well-being of Louisiana’s educational communities.


1
  For the purposes of the plan, “academic impact of lost instructional time” refers to “learning loss” experienced by
students as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, as referenced in the ARP Act and the CRRSA Act.




                                                                                                                        10
5. School Operating Status: It is essential to have data on how students are learning
   in order to support the goals of access and equity, especially for student groups
   that have been disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Describe
   the current status of data collection on operational status and mode of instruction
   of all schools in your State. This description must include:
        i.       A description of to what extent, and how frequently, the State
                 collects now and will collect in the future data for all schools in your
                 State on:
                 a. Mode of instruction: The number of schools in your State that are
                     offering fully remote or online-only instruction; both
                     remote/online and in-person instruction (hybrid model); and/or
                     full-time in-person instruction;
                 b. Enrollment: Student enrollment for all students and
                     disaggregated for each of the student groups described in A.3.i-
                     viii for each mode of instruction; and
                 c. Attendance: Student attendance for all students and
                     disaggregated for each of the student groups described in A.3.i-
                     viii for each mode of instruction.

                     The Louisiana Department of Education collects various data to
                     support school systems, students, and families impacted by
                     COVID-19. On an ongoing basis, the Department collects
                     information from school systems on the modes of instruction
                     being implemented by each school. This information is collected
                     as often as the modes of instruction change and school systems
                     submit the changes. Beginning in the 2021-2022 school year,
                     information on modes of instruction will be regularly collected at
                     the student level and aggregated by student group. The
                     Department collects student enrollment data from LEAs three
                     times a year; the first collection is October 1, the second collection
                     is February 1, and the third collection is End of Year. The
                     Department also collects absence data for each student and student
                     group three times a year. Beginning in the 2021-2022 school year,
                     daily attendance will be collected by LDOE at the student level.
                     During the 2020-2021 school year, LDOE consistently collected
                     data from school systems regarding the digital learning models
                     being offered. This data is accessible through the Digital Learning
                     Model Schools Dashboard.

                     The Department is also developing an Emergency Preparedness
                     and Recovery Dashboard, which will be released prior to the start
                     of the 2021-2022 school year. This dashboard will be updated
                     with information submitted by each school system’s Emergency
                     Preparedness and Recovery point of contact. This form will collect
                     information around cybersecurity issues, as well as disaster
                     recovery. Emergency Preparedness and Recovery points of contact
                     will be asked to provide specific information based on the event.
                                                                                        11
              ii.       The data described in A.5.i.a. and b. using the template in Appendix
                        A (and to the extent available, the data described in A.5.i.c.) for the
                        most recent time period available. Please note that this data can be
                        submitted separately within 14 calendar days after a State submits
                        this plan. The SEA must also make this data publicly available on its
                        website as soon as possible but no later than June 21, 2021, and
                        regularly provide updated available information on its website. The
                        Department will periodically review data listed in A.5.i on SEA
                        websites.

                        The Louisiana Department of Education has provided data within
                        Table 1 under Appendix A. This data is updated frequently based on
                        data received from school systems and is accessible via the
                        Louisiana Believes website. The data within Table 2 under Appendix
                        A will be gathered in the 2021-2022 school year.

              iii.      To the extent available, a description of the planned operational
                        status and mode of instruction for the State and its LEAs for Summer
                        2021 and for the 2021-2022 school year.

                        During the 2020-2021 school year, LDOE consistently collected data
                        from school systems regarding the digital learning models being
                        offered. This data is accessible through the Digital Learning Model
                        Schools Dashboard.

                        According to a survey disseminated in the spring, 95 out of 191
                        traditional public /public charter LEAs indicated they are
                        implementing summer learning programs in 2021. Based on data
                        collected from school systems, 51% of these programs will be offered
                        full day, and 79% will be offered in person.

                        The SEA will collect this data for the 2021-2022 school year through
                        the Strong Start Survey responses being collected through August
                        2021.


B. Safely Reopening Schools and Sustaining their Safe Operations
The Department recognizes that safely reopening schools and sustaining their safe operations
to maximize in-person instruction is essential for student learning and student well-being,
and especially for being able to address the educational inequities that have been worsened
by the COVID-19 pandemic. In this section, SEAs will describe how they will support their
LEAs in this vital area.

       1. Support for LEAs: Describe how the SEA will support its LEAs in safely
          returning to in-person instruction and sustaining the safe operation of schools.
          This description must include:
                                                                                              12
i.   How the SEA will support its LEAs implementing, to the greatest
     extent practicable, prevention and mitigation policies in line with the
     most up-to-date guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and
     Prevention (“CDC”) for the reopening and operation of school
     facilities to effectively maintain the health and safety of students,
     educators, and other staff;
     Complete the table below, adding rows as necessary, or provide a
     narrative description.


     The Louisiana Department of Education provided reopening guidance
     to LEAs through Strong Start 2020. The Department is currently
     updating the reopening guidance to reflect the most recent CDC
     updates and will release updated reopening information. The
     Louisiana Department of Education is continuing to work with our
     partners at the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) and Children’s
     Hospital of New Orleans (CHNOLA) to review the latest CDC
     guidelines surrounding school operations. The Strong Start 2020 will
     sunset on June 30. LDOE is developing Ready to Achieve!, a new set
     of operational guidance for K-12 school systems to use in the 2021-
     2022 school year. Ready to Achieve! will be provided to school
     systems and go into effect on July 1.

     The information within the table below is from Strong Start 2020
     guidance and reflects some updates based on the CDC guidance since
     the original release of Start Strong 2020.

     Table B1.
       Mitigation           SEA response
       strategy
       Universal and        Guidance to LEAs includes the following:
       correct wearing of       While inside the school facility, all adults
       masks                       and students in grades 3 through 12 must
                                   wear a face covering to the greatest extent
                                   possible and practical within the local
                                   community context.
                                While inside the school facility, students in
                                   grades pre-K through 2 may wear a face
                                   covering.

       Physical             Guidance to LEAs includes the following:
       distancing (e.g.,        Younger students who are unable to wear
       including use of            face coverings or maintain a physical
       cohorts/podding)            distance from other students or adults
                                   should be assigned static groups. This must
                                   include, at a minimum, students in grade 2
                                   or lower.

                                                                            13
                             The static group composition should be
                              maintained for as long as possible.
                             The composition of a group may change if
                              students are able to maintain a physical
                              distance of at least three feet from other
                              students and six feet from adults in a
                              classroom or indoor setting, to the greatest
                              extent possible.
                             If groups convene outdoors, a physical
                              barrier is not required, but each group must
                              remain separated.
                              To the greatest extent possible, schools
                              must limit crowding at entry and exit
                              points and adhere to maximum group sizes
                              and physical distance recommendations.

Handwashing and       Guidance to LEAs includes the following:
respiratory               Students must wash or sanitize hands upon
etiquette                    arrival at the school at least every two
                             hours, before and after eating, before and
                             after using outdoor play equipment, and
                             before exiting the school facility.
                          Establish hand hygiene stations at the
                             entrance to the facility so students can
                             clean their hands before they enter. If a
                             sink with soap and water is not available,
                             provide hand sanitizer with at least 60%
                             alcohol and supervise its use.
Cleaning and          Guidance to LEAs includes the following:
maintaining               Ensure ventilation systems operate
healthy facilities,          properly and increase circulation of
including                    outdoor air as much as possible, for
improving                    example, by opening windows and doors.
ventilation               Do not open windows and doors if doing
                             so poses a safety or health risk (e.g., risk of
                             falling, triggering asthma symptoms) to
                             children using the facility. If a school's
                             ventilation system fails, consult with local
                             health officials about the possible need for
                             school closure.
                          Frequently touched surfaces should
                             undergo cleaning with a
                             commercially available cleaning
                             solution, including EPA-approved
                             disinfectants or a dilute bleach
                             solution, multiple times throughout
                             the day at least twice per day. This
                             includes:
                                  o Light switches, doors,
                                       benches, banisters and
                                       bathroom fixtures
                                                                          14
                                o   Surfaces and objects in
                                    libraries, labs, and other
                                    settings where “hands-on”
                                    materials and equipment are
                                    used
                                o Student desks, which should
                                    be cleaned before and after
                                    each student’s use
                           Minimize sharing of materials
                            between students.
                           Playground equipment and athletic
                            equipment should be cleaned daily or
                            as necessary, depending on frequency
                            of use.

Contact tracing in   Guidance to LEAs includes the following:
combination with         Students who have COVID-19 should stay
isolation and               home and remain isolated until they have
quarantine, in              recovered and have been determined to no
collaboration with          longer be infectious by their doctor
the State, local,           according to CDC’s end of isolation
territorial, or             criteria [AS1].
Tribal health            Individuals who were in close contact
departments                 with the student may be identified and
                            contacted as part of the Office of
                            Public Health (OPH) contact tracing
                            process.
                         Close contact with a case is defined as
                            a person who was less than within six
                            feet away from the individual with the
                            student with COVID-19 for more than
                            15 minutes or more over a 24-hour
                            period, as determined by the OPH
                            contact tracing process.
                         Close contacts will be asked to stay
                            home and monitor symptoms for 14
                            days. Options to shorten the duration
                            of quarantine if contacts remain
                            asymptomatic include:
                         If no symptoms develop during
                            quarantine AND they have a negative
                            antigen or PCR/molecular test
                            collected no earlier than day 5 after
                            their last exposure: they may
                            quarantine for 7 days from their last
                            contact with a COVID-19 case OR
                         If no symptoms develop during
                            quarantine and no testing is done: they
                            may quarantine for 10 days from their
                            last contact with a COVID-19 case.

                                                                   15
                          If quarantine is shortened, daily
                           symptom monitoring and strict
                           adherence to prevention measures,
                           including social distancing, hand
                           washing, and especially wearing
                           masks/face coverings should continue
                           until the full 14 days from the last
                           contact with a COVID-19 case.
                        Because there is an increased risk of
                           post-quarantine transmission
                           associated with options to shorten
                           quarantine, the 14-day quarantine
                           period should be used in school
                           settings where masking among
                           children is not maintained.
                        Close contacts who were previously
                           diagnosed with COVID-19 within the
                           last 90 days and remain asymptomatic
                           do not need to quarantine.
                        Close contacts who are fully
                           vaccinated (i.e., ≥2 weeks following
                           receipt of the second dose in a 2-dose
                           series, or ≥2 weeks following receipt
                           of one dose in a single-dose vaccine)
                           at the time of exposure and remain
                           asymptomatic do not need to
                           quarantine.
Diagnostic and      Guidance to LEAs includes the following:
screening testing   SCREENING TESTING
                        CDC funding is available to support the
                           use of screening testing as a strategy to
                           identify cases and prevent secondary
                           transmission.
                        Screening testing is intended to identify
                           infected people without symptoms (or
                           before development of symptoms) who
                           may be contagious so that measures can be
                           taken to prevent further transmission.
                        Screening testing supplies or services are
                           available for K-12 students and staff. For
                           further information, please contact Diné
                           Butler with the Louisiana Office of Public
                           Health: K-12covidtesting@la.gov.
                        Make sure that staff and families know
                           that they (staff) or their children (families)
                           should not come to school and that they
                           should notify school officials (e.g., the
                           designated COVID-19 point of contact) if
                           they (staff) or their child (families) become
                           sick with COVID-19 symptoms, test
                           positive for COVID-19, or have been
                                                                       16
                                       exposed to someone with COVID-19
                                       symptoms or a confirmed or suspected case
        Efforts to provide     The LDOE first requested priority vaccine access
        vaccinations to        for educators and staff in a December 12, 2020
        educators, other       letter to LDH Secretary Dr. Courtney Phillips,
        staff, and students,   copied to Louisiana Governor Edwards. This
        if eligible            request, one of the first official requests of its kind,
                               drew national attention as it included priority
                               access not just for K-12 teachers and staff but for
                               early childcare center workers as well. This letter
                               was followed by similar requests from advocates
                               across the state of Louisiana. The Department
                               worked with local school systems to develop
                               vaccine distribution plans to help ensure equitable
                               access to these voluntary vaccines and vaccine
                               information. This guidance included identifying the
                               total number of vaccinations needed for their
                               school system as well as recommending that
                               systems coordinate with vaccine partners such as a
                               hospital, clinic, pharmacy, Public Health Office or
                               other entity.
        Appropriate            Guidance to LEAs includes the following:
        accommodations               Students with disabilities must continue to
        for children with                receive special education and related
        disabilities with                services in the least restrictive
        respect to the                   environment.
        health and safety                School systems must factor in any
        policies                         additional service providers who may need
                                         to enter the classroom, students who
                                         receive services outside the classroom (e.g.
                                         resource, APE), and/or students who
                                         receive services through alternate
                                         instructional methods.


ii.   Any Statewide plans, policies, estimated timelines, and specific
      milestones related to reopening and operation of school facilities,
      including any mechanisms the SEA will use to track, monitor, or
      enforce their implementation;
      The Louisiana Department of Education released school reopening
      guidance, titled Strong Start 2020, and the Board of Elementary and
      Secondary Education passed minimum health standards in the
      summer of 2020 that required all school systems to develop
      comprehensive plans that operationalize health guidelines and allow a
      quick pivot when the presence of the virus changes in their
      communities. Not only did all Louisiana school systems reopen in the
      fall, but the LDOE’s School Reopening Dashboard shows that 70% of
      Louisiana students are benefitting from daily in-person instruction.
      Louisiana is among the states leading the way in once again providing
                                                                                     17
       in-person instruction to students. The American Enterprise Institute’s
       Return to Learn Tracker currently ranks Louisiana No. 7 in the nation
       for the highest number of students participating in face-to-face
       learning. The Return to Learn Tracker (R2L) is a tool developed by
       the American Enterprise Institute's Education Policy Studies
       department, in partnership with The College Crisis Initiative (C2i) of
       Davidson College, that captures how U.S. public school districts'
       instructional models change during the COVID-19 pandemic. The
       tracker conducts original data collection that examines which schools
       are offering fully in-person, hybrid, and fully remote instruction and
       analyzes instructional status across various district and county
       demographics. It categorizes instructional models for about 8,500
       school districts nationwide and regularly monitors how each district
       changes between categories.

       The LDOE provided technical assistance for school systems statewide
       as they developed reopening plans based on CDC guidance and
       Louisiana’s phased reopening guidance. The LDOE will release
       updated guidance, titled Ready to Achieve!, for the 2021-2022 school
       year with a goal of a safe return to in-person learning to the maximum
       extent possible. The Louisiana Department of Education is continuing
       to work with our partners at the Louisiana Department of Health
       (LDH) and Children’s Hospital of New Orleans (CHNOLA) to review
       the latest CDC guidelines surrounding school operations. The current
       BESE school reopening policy, Strong Start, will sunset on June 30.
       Ready to Achieve!, a set of operational guidance for K-12 school
       systems to use in the 2021-2022 school year will be provided to
       school systems and go into effect on July 1.

iii.   To what extent the SEA and its LEAs consult with Federal, State,
       and local health officials. This description should include, if
       available, whether the SEA and its LEAs have received support for
       screening testing from their State or local health department based
       on funding awarded by the CDC; and

       The Louisiana Department of Education works closely with the
       Louisiana Department of Health to develop guidelines for a safe return
       to school through the Ready to Achieve! guidance document for LEAs.
       These guidelines are being developed by the Louisiana Department of
       Health and are based upon current CDC recommendations for safe
       practices in returning to in-person learning. LDOE is currently advising
       LDH on best practices for developing a screening program for students
       and faculty members of K-12 campuses. This includes weekly
       meetings, a larger workgroup, and communication support.
       Additionally, the Louisiana Department of Education has established
       and maintained a partnership with ThriveKids of Children’s Hospital of
       New Orleans (CHNOLA) beginning in May 2020 and continuing
                                                                             18
      throughout the 2021 school year. The LDOE, with assistance from
      LDH, provided school systems access to BinaxNOW Rapid test kits to
      aid in mitigation efforts within school communities. To date, over
      83,000 testing kits have been provided free of charge to school systems.

iv.   Any guidance, professional learning, and technical assistance
      opportunities the SEA will make available to its LEAs.


       LDOE conducts monthly Town Hall webinars through an established
       partnership with The Children’s Hospital of New Orleans. These
       webinars cover topics related to best practices for a return to safe in-
       person learning and are available for parents, educators,
       administrators, school nurses, and other community stakeholders.
       Additionally, the SEA hosts weekly School Reopening calls for
       LEAs to have the opportunity to ask questions of medical experts
       and receive the most up-to-date guidance on a safe return to in-
       person learning from the CDC and other medical entities.




                                                                            19
2. Safe Return to In-Person Instruction and Continuity of Services Plans: Describe
   how the SEA will ensure that its LEAs that receive ARP ESSER funds meet the
   requirements in section 2001(i) of the ARP Act and the requirements relating to
   the ARP ESSER funds published in the Federal Register and available at
   https://oese.ed.gov/offices/american-rescue-plan/american-rescue-plan-
   elementary-and-secondary-school-emergency-relief/ (ARP ESSER requirements)
   to either: (a) within 30 days of receipt of the funds, develop and make publicly
   available on the LEA’s website a plan for the safe return to in-person instruction
   and continuity of services, or (b) have developed and made publicly available on
   the LEA’s website such a plan that meets statutory requirements before the
   enactment of the ARP Act, including:
        i.        How the SEA will ensure that each LEA plan includes, or will be
                  modified to include, the extent to which it has adopted policies and a
                  description of any such policies on each of the strategies listed in
                  table B1;
       ii.        How the SEA will ensure that each LEA plan describes how it will
                  ensure continuity of services including but not limited to services to
                  address the students’ academic needs, and students’ and staff social,
                  emotional, mental health, and other needs, which may include
                  student health and food services;
      iii.        How the SEA will ensure that the LEA periodically reviews, no less
                  frequently than every six months for the duration of the ARP ESSER
                  grant period (i.e., through September 30, 2023),2 and revises as
                  appropriate, its plan, and how the SEA will ensure that the LEA
                  seeks public input, and takes such input into account on (1) whether
                  revisions are necessary and, if so, (2) the revisions to the plan; and
      iv.         Describe, to the extent the SEA collects it, information about LEA
                  implementation, to the greatest extent practicable, of each element of
                  the most up-to-date CDC guidance listed in table B1 and its LEAs’
                  needs for support and technical assistance to implement strategies
                  consistent, to the greatest extent practicable, with relevant CDC
                  guidance.

                An LEA that receives ARP ESSER funds must, within 30 days of
                receiving the funds, make publicly available on its website a plan for
                safe return to in-person instruction and continuity of services. School
                systems can meet this requirement by seeking public comment and
                updating the school reopening plans submitted to LDOE in the fall of
                2020. In light of the Governor’s Roadmap to Resilient Louisiana, the
                Department has issued guidance pertaining to opening and
                maintaining public and nonpublic school facilities to serve students in
                the 2020-2021 school year. This guidance is relative to operating and
                maintaining schools in Phases 1, 2 and 3 of reopening. Since
                Louisiana’s school facilities first closed in March 2020 in response to
                the COVID-19 pandemic, school systems and the Department have
                worked to ensure the safety of students and staff was of utmost
                priority. The Louisiana Department of Education compiled links to
                                                                                      20
                                existing system and school reopening plans. The original plans
                                submitted to LDOE can be accessed here.
                                Original plans were submitted to LDOE in the fall of 2020 and were
                                reviewed using a rubric that required systems to identify virtual,
                                hybrid, and in-person student learning plans. These plans were based
                                on phases related to COVID-19 spread within the state and local
                                community context, transportation plans based upon minimum health
                                standards for each learning plan, communication plans for
                                communicating with community stakeholders, and detailed
                                environmental hygiene plans informed by the most up-to-date CDC
                                guidance.

    C. Planning for the Use and Coordination of ARP ESSER Funds
    The Department recognizes that seeking input from diverse stakeholders is essential to
    developing plans for the use of ARP ESSER funds that are responsive to the needs of
    students, families, and educators. In this section, SEAs will describe their plans for
    consultation and for coordinating the use of ARP ESSER funds with other resources to meet
    the needs of students.



2
 ARP ESSER funds are subject to the Tydings amendment in section 421(b) of the General Education Provisions
Act, 20 U.S.C. 1225(b), and are therefore available to SEAs and LEAs for obligation through September 30, 2024.
Review and revisions of these plans, if necessary, are not required during the Tydings period.




                                                                                                                  21
1. SEA Consultation: Consistent with the ARP ESSER requirements, describe how
   the SEA engaged in meaningful consultation with stakeholders, and incorporated
   input into its plan, including, but not limited to:
         i.       students;
        ii.       families;
      iii.        Tribes (if applicable);
       iv.        civil rights organizations (including disability rights organizations);
        v.        school and district administrators (including special education
                  administrators);
       vi.        superintendents;
      vii.        charter school leaders (if applicable);
     viii.        teachers, principals, school leaders, other educators, school staff, and
                  their unions; and
       ix.        stakeholders representing the interests of children with disabilities,
                  English learners, children experiencing homelessness, children and
                  youth in foster care, migratory students, children who are
                  incarcerated, and other underserved students.
   The description must include how the SEA provided the public the opportunity to
   provide input in the development of the plan, a summary of the input (including
   any letters of support), and how the SEA took such input into account.

    To support school systems in preparing for the 2020-2021 school year in response
    to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Louisiana Department of Education released the
    Strong Start 2020 plan. This plan supported school systems by ensuring a strong
    start for every student and having a continuous education plan that was aligned to
    the school system plan submitted via Super App. The Strong Start Plan provided
    systems with Strong Start Planning Priorities designed to support school systems as
    they planned for a strong start to the 2020-2021 academic year. The priorities
    within the plan focus on actions that address unfinished learning from the 2019-
    2020 school year, set the foundation for continuous learning in 2020-2021, and
    prepare for school facility closures and modified operations.

    Within the Strong Start plan, the Department also released the Strong Start 2020
    Implementation Survey. Data collected from the surveys is used to capture school
    system plans aligned to Strong Start 2020, understand the experiences of Louisiana
    students and educators, inform decisions about supports needed for school systems,
    and enable the Department to share this information with various stakeholders.

    Surveys were completed by school system leadership or early childhood agencies,
    but several school system leaders of the following work streams were involved in
    the survey completion:
           Early Childhood
           Assessment
           Special Education
           English Learners
           Operations
           Academics
                                                                                         22
            Professional Development
            High School
            Counseling
            Human Resources
            Finance or Grants Management
            Technology

   The initial survey was released in the summer of 2020 and data was collected and
   developed into the Fall Strong Start Implementation Report. A second survey was
   released in the winter and data was collected and developed into the Strong Start
   Implementation Winter 2021 Update Report. LDOE is currently releasing Phase 1
   of the Spring Strong Start Survey and will be releasing Phase 2 in June 2021. Data
   from the Spring Strong Start Survey will be developed into a report and will be
   released in August 2021.

   In addition to the Strong Start Survey series, the Louisiana Department of
   Education, in partnership with the Region 14 Comprehensive Center Network,
   conducted focus groups as a portion of the Winter Strong Start Survey. The focus
   groups included various stakeholders such as educators, parents, and students
   across public, charter, and nonpublic school systems within the state. Stakeholders
   within the focus groups provided input on five key issues identified by the
   Department through the Fall Strong Start Survey as well as other collaborative
   opportunities with school systems. The five issues identified were: Core
   Academics – Learning Gaps, Mental Health and Well-being, Virtual Learning,
   Transition Between Different Learning Modes, and Communication. Through the
   focus groups, the Department was able to gather feedback to address these five
   issues in planning for the highest impact uses of ARP ESSER funds.

   The Louisiana Department of Education invited superintendents and charter
   leaders to participate in a monthly Reopening Roundtable virtual series for the
   2020-2021 school year and will continue the series for the 2021-2022 school year.
   Every month, a panel of superintendents and school leaders shared their
   experiences reopening and operating schools during the health crisis. Along with
   the panel discussion, each session included a Q&A. This series helped to facilitate
   discussions of best practices and served as a support agency during these uncertain
   times.

2. Coordinating Funds: Describe to what extent the SEA has and will coordinate
   Federal COVID-19 pandemic funding and other Federal funding. This description
   must include:
       i.       How the SEA and its LEAs 1) are using or have used prior to the
                submission of this plan and 2) plan to use following submission of
                this plan, Federal COVID-19 funding under the Coronavirus Aid,
                Relief, and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act and the CRRSA Act
                to support a safe return to and safely maximize in-person instruction,
                sustain these operations safely, and address the disproportionate
                impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on individual student groups
                                                                                    23
          (including students from low-income families, children with
          disabilities, English learners, racial or ethnic minorities, students
          experiencing homelessness, children and youth in foster care, and
          migratory students);
          Complete the table below or provide a narrative description.
          Table C1.


Funding     Prior/current SEA and LEA uses (including            Planned SEA and
source      funding amounts, if applicable)                      LEA uses
                                                                 (including funding
                                                                 amounts, if
                                                                 applicable)
ESSER I     LDOE released ESSER I formula allocations
(CARES      May 1 through the Strong Start 2020 in eGMS          See the ESSER I
Act)        application. All school systems completed            Formula LEA
            continuous education plans that provided             Uses of Funds
            standards-aligned instruction using high-quality     table below.
            curriculum during modified operations, including
            provisions for:
            • 1:1 device and internet access, including
            assistive technology for students with
            disabilities.
            • A strategic communications plan to connect
            with every student on a daily basis, provide
            weekly feedback on students’ work, and
            communicate the family’s role in supporting their
            child’s continuous learning.
            • Versatile delivery methods for instruction,
            related services, and professional development.
            • Adaptive staffing models that enable feedback
            on students’ work and frequent communication
            with students and families.
            • Flexible and opportunistic calendars and school
            schedules that maximize learning opportunities in
            a dynamic public health context.
            LEAs were eligible to use ESSER incentive
            funds to support key Strong Start 2020 academic
            planning priorities to address anticipated
            challenges to delivering instruction remotely. The
            below information summarizes eligible
            expenditures for Strong Start 2020 ESSER
            incentive funds:
            • Core Curriculum - Funded requests at up to $36
            per student
            • Non-Core Curriculum - Funded software
            licenses required for curriculum for individual
            students and funded subscriptions to online
            course and content providers for CTE and non-
                                                                                   24
           core curriculum materials required for the
           transition to virtual learning
           • Graduation Preparation Providers - Eligible
           requests funded from $2,500 - $10,000 based on
           size of school system
           • Assistive Technology - Funded 25% of eligible
           requests
           • Direct Service Providers - Funded a flat rate of
           $3,000 for eligible requests
           • Core Curriculum Professional Development
           Partners - Funded $5,000 - $15,000 based on size
           of school system
           • Staffing Plan Partners - Funded eligible
           requests according to guidance
GEER I
(CARES     LDOE released school systems’ individual
Act)       GEER allocations on Friday, July 10, 2020. The
           award amounts were provided in advance of the
           release of the allocation amounts through eGMS
           to facilitate quick access for ordering devices and
           internet connectivity. The GEER application was
           released through eGMS Friday, July 17, 2020.
           The governor determined the $50 million in
           funds will be allocated between postsecondary
           and K-12 education to include $35 million for K-
           12 education with $32.3 million for devices and
           internet connectivity and $2.7 million for a social
           and emotional learning curriculum available to
           both public and nonpublic schools. The $32
           million for K -12 education advanced the goal of
           attaining a 1:1 device ratio and meeting internet
           connectivity needs of school systems. School
           systems and schools will be blending their local,
           state, and federal revenues with the new ESSER
           – Formula grant, ESSER – Competitive grant,
           and GEER grant funds to support remaining
           needs.

ESSER II   LDOE released 50% of ESSER II formula                 LDOE will release
(CRRSA     allocations in March 2021. The Department is          50% of ESSER II
Act)       still accepting applications from school systems      formula and ESSER
           for these funds. LDOE released the Achieve!           II incentive
           Planning Guidance. The Department is                  allocations in
           reviewing applications from school systems            September 2021.
           based on the allowabilities as well as the high-
           impact investment initiatives released within the
           guidance.                                             See the Planned
                                                                 SEA Uses for
                                                                 ESSER II State-
                                                                 Level Funds table
                                                                 below.
                                                                                     25
GEER II   LDOE released the GEER II (GEER EANS)
(CRRSA    program application on March 5, 2021 via the
Act)      linked webinar with additional guidance
          resources for non-public schools. Generally,
          allowable uses under EANS relate to:
          ● Safely reopening schools
          ● Continuing instruction
          ● Addressing learning loss
          ● Supporting educational technology
          ● Reimbursing for certain COVID-19-related
          costs.
          The Department is reviewing applications from
          non-public school based on the allowabilities as
          well as the high-impact investment initiatives
          released within the guidance.
          SEA Use - The CRRSA Act provided
          $22,985,320 to supplement the Governor’s
          Emergency Education Relief Fund (GEER II
          Fund). The Governor approved a $22 million
          joint budget for K-12 and Higher Ed. K-12
          funding will support: increasing access to ACT
          vouchers, reengaging chronically absent students,
          addressing learning loss through literacy PD,
          providing Educator tele-therapy for adult mental
          well-being, and investing in the establishment
          and sustainability of the Office of Broadband.
          ACT Vouchers: $2,000,000 - To allow present
          year sophomores & seniors an additional
          opportunity to test, qualify for Dual Enrollment
          & TOPS;
          Student Re-engagement: $1,000,000 - To staff
          coordinators to re-engage absent students in the
          educational system;
          Literacy Loss Professional Development:
          $1,000,000 - Training for educators across the
          state (open to Pre-K-12 & higher ed) to support
          best practices in academic recovery, phonics, and
          intervention;
          Educator Health Coaches: $1,000,000 - To
          staff health coaches for B-12 staff for mental,
          emotional, wellness needs;
          Dual Enrollment Portal, Fast Forward
          Program Evaluation, and LOSFA & FASFA
          Campaign: $850,000 - To support efforts to
          expand college credits earned by high school
          students and outreach regarding federal and state
          financial aid and academic preparation. (Board of
          Regents as Fiscal Agents/ LDOE as collaborating
          partners)

                                                              26
Prior/Current Uses of ESSER I and GEER I Funds

             The chart below represents the ESSER I Formula funding allocated to the
             LEAs. Column A represents the categories in which funding was budgeted by
             the LEAs in the Prior Year (PY) and Current Year (CY). Column C represents
             the amounts expended/obligated by the LEAs as indicated on the LEAs’ last
             submitted Periodic Expenditure Report.

                                        ESSER I Formula LEA Uses of Funds

                                                 CY + PY Total      CY + PY           CY + PY
                                                 Budgeted           Expended          Remaining

             Indirect cost                         $35,795,572.00    $24,552,407.00     $11,243,165.00

             Compensatory education for             $1,045,000.00      $610,528.00        $434,472.00
             students with disabilities

             Core subject curricular               $25,473,014.00    $20,798,964.00      $4,674,050.00
             supplements/materials for
             continuous learning

             Early childhood - expanding seats       $365,190.00       $317,869.00          $47,321.00
             and related costs

             English learner supports                $482,211.00       $356,092.00        $126,119.00

             Expanded learning time - summer        $4,228,646.00     $3,452,486.00       $776,160.00
             school, early start

             Feeding                                $2,370,537.00     $2,057,877.00       $312,660.00

             High school supports - IGPs and         $184,833.00        $48,600.00        $136,233.00
             graduate transitions

             Individual student supports -          $5,927,734.00     $3,552,960.00      $2,374,774.00
             diagnostics, learning plans,
             tutoring

             Non-core/CTE                           $1,199,931.00      $781,883.00        $418,048.00
             supplements/materials for
             continuous learning

             Nonpublic administration cost           $272,495.00          $3,722.00       $268,773.00

             Nonpublic student devices for          $3,291,566.00     $2,860,238.00       $431,328.00
             nonpublic school students

             Other nonpublic school equitable       $5,834,343.00     $4,134,142.00      $1,700,201.00
             services

             Nonpublic student connectivity -       $1,899,544.00      $390,070.00       $1,509,474.00
             internet access, phone access
                                                                                                    27
  Operations - response and                 $8,007,631.00      $3,812,475.00       $4,195,156.00
  preparedness activities

  Other allowable expense                  $18,495,884.00      $8,739,953.00       $9,755,931.00

  Professional development for              $6,104,545.00      $2,902,156.00       $3,202,389.00
  workforce talent

  Sanitation - training and supplies       $17,422,464.00     $11,717,601.00       $5,704,863.00

  Social, emotional, and mental             $4,188,192.00      $2,364,304.00       $1,823,888.00
  health screeners and supports

  SWDs - access to curriculum,              $4,897,485.00      $2,033,231.00       $2,864,254.00
  related services, assistive
  technology

  Adaptive staffing plans                  $18,153,716.00      $9,512,541.00       $8,641,175.00

  Student devices - hardware               $77,928,450.00     $63,614,032.00      $14,314,418.00
  (laptops, tablets), software, tech
  support

  Other subgroup supports -                   $434,338.00         $52,859.00         $381,479.00
  homeless, foster care, etc.

  Student connectivity - internet          $13,916,318.00      $9,226,267.00       $4,690,051.00
  access, phone access

                                         $257,919,639.00*    $177,893,257.00      $80,026,382.00


*The information is pulled from eGMS based on the last approved budget detail and last approved
PER. If an application is in review that has additional funding in the budget detail, that amount
will not be reflected until the application receives final approval.


  The chart below represents the ESSER I State Level funding allocated to the
  LEAs. Column A represents the categories in which funding was budgeted by
  the LEAs. Column C represents the amounts expended/obligated by the LEAs
  as indicated on the LEAs’ last submitted Periodic Expenditure Report.


                  ESSER I State-Level Uses of Funds Allocated to LEAs

  Report Totals                        Total Budgeted       Expended           Remaining Funding

  Indirect cost                           $3,614,227.00       $2,202,167.00        $1,412,060.00

  Compensatory education for                $157,061.00         $23,200.00           $133,861.00
  students with disabilities

  Core subject curricular                $11,840,879.00       $7,329,450.00        $4,511,429.00
  supplements/materials for
  continuous learning
                                                                                              28
Early childhood - expanding             $115,297.00        $84,926.00           $30,371.00
seats and related costs

English learner supports                 $98,867.00        $37,986.00           $60,881.00

High school supports - IGPs           $1,003,186.00      $667,555.00           $335,631.00
and graduate transitions

Non-core/CTE                          $2,534,514.00     $1,271,976.00         $1,262,538.00
supplements/materials for
continuous learning

Nonpublic administration cost            $14,430.00        $26,443.00          ($12,013.00)

Other nonpublic school                  $812,693.00      $433,820.00           $378,873.00
equitable services

Professional development for          $2,381,805.00     $1,101,531.00         $1,280,274.00
workforce talent

SWDs - access to curriculum,          $2,536,513.00     $1,675,368.00          $861,145.00
related services, assistive
technology

Adaptive staffing plan                  $318,951.00      $129,919.00           $189,032.00
supports

Strong Start tutoring                   $608,551.00         $5,153.00          $603,398.00

                                     $26,036,974.00    $14,989,494.00        $11,047,480.00




The chart below represents the GEER I funding allocated to the
LEAs. Column A represents the categories in which funding was budgeted by
the LEAs. Column C represents the amounts expended/obligated by the LEAs
as indicated on the LEAs’ last submitted Periodic Expenditure Report.


                                GEER I LEA Uses of Funds

                                 Total Budgeted       Expended           Remaining Funding

Indirect cost                         $4,533,483.00     $2,784,845.00         $1,748,638.00

Nonpublic administration                  $6,469.00              $0.00            $6,469.00
cost

Nonpublic student devices               $715,838.00      $480,964.00           $234,874.00
for nonpublic school
students




                                                                                         29
  Nonpublic student                           $166,021.00          $4,631.00            $161,390.00
  connectivity - internet
  access, phone access

  Student devices - hardware               $19,984,607.00     $13,531,476.00           $6,453,131.00
  (laptops, tablets), software,
  tech support

  Student connectivity -                    $6,831,780.00      $4,574,087.00           $2,257,693.00
  internet access, phone
  access

                                           $32,238,198.00     $21,376,003.00          $10,862,195.00



Planned SEA Uses for ESSER II State-Level Funds
Of the total 9.5% state-level portion of ESSER II, the LDOE is planning to spend
the funds in alignment with our Believe to Achieve Educational Priorities to
support both state-level activities and incentive allocations to LEAs. Below is a
high-level summary of the proposed plans.


   Believe to Achieve
   Educational              Proposed Priority Work*                                      ESSER II
   Priorities

 Career, College,                Student Engagement         ACT and Pre-ACT            $4,600,000
 Service Ready                    & Attendance               Redesign High School
                                 Dropout Prevention
                                 Electronic Individual
                                  Graduation Plan
 Equitable, Inclusive            New School Choice          Diverse Learners          $11,600,000
 Learning                         Pandemic Response           Leadership
 Experiences                      Funding                     Development
                                 Alternative Ed             Learning Recovery for
                                  Curriculum Support          English Learners
                                 School Social Work         Special Education
                                  Expansion                   Redesign
                                                             Educator
                                                              Mental/Behavioral
                                                              Health
 Quality Teaching &              Social Studies             Arts                       $9,700,000
 Learning                         Standards and              High-Quality Tutoring
                                  Curriculum PD               Vouchers
                                 ELA Guidebook              Quality Assessments
                                  Accessibility              Literacy Screeners
                                 Accelerate                 Statewide Data
                                 Summer Enrichment           Systems
                                 After School
                                  Programming


                                                                                                  30
               Effective Educator      Recruitment and          Content Leader Growth $39,400,000
               Workforce                Retention Models         Science of Reading
                                       New Teacher              Regional Literacy
                                        Supports                  Coordinators
                                       Pre-Educator             English Learner
                                        Pathway                   Teacher Certification
                                       Intersession PD          Special Education
                                        Models                    Certification
                                       PD on Instructional      CLASS Certification
                                        Strategies
                                       PD Platform (LMS)
               Strong Systems and      Staffing and             Medicaid Utilization   $27,700,000
               Structures               Scheduling Guidance      LEA Technical
                                       Reimagine School          Assistance
                                        Systems                  Broadband
                                       Balanced Calendar        Communications
                                        Pilots                    Improvements
                                       Parent and Family        PPE and Sanitization
                                        Engagement               Board Member PD
                                       Strategic Planning
                                       Strategic Budget
                                        Planning and
                                        Management
                                       Human Capital
                                        Strategy
                                                                                TOTAL $93,500,000


*LDOE is still engaging with stakeholders to get input and feedback on the initiatives and the
specific work the funds will support.




                                                                                                  31
  ii.        To what extent ESSER I and ESSER II funds have been awarded to
             LEAs and, if funds have not yet been made available to LEAs, when
             they will be. In addition, please provide any available information on
             the total dollar amounts of ESSER I and ESSER II funds that have
             been obligated but not expended by the SEA and its LEAs, including
             whether the SEA is able to track LEA obligations.

            LDOE released ESSER I Funds in Spring 2020. LDOE will release
            estimated ESSER II allocations to school systems in two action
            periods in order to:
                   Support strategic and coordinated response efforts through
                       2024, and
                   Ensure school systems are spending their ESSER I first.

                                    ESSER I Funds                 ESSER II Funds
                                                             Formula               Formula
                                   Formula    Incentive
                                                           Action 1 (50%)        Action 2 (50%)
                 Released in                                                        September
                                 April 2020   June 2020       March 2021
                   eGMS                                                               2021

LEA
                        Allocations                                   Unallocated

                        Date           Amount         Expended/       Amount         Date to be
                        Allocated                     Obligated                      Allocated

 ESSER I Formula        May 1,         $258,797,539   $177,893,257
                        2020

 ESSER I State Level    June 19,        $26,316,773
                        2020

 GEER I                 July 16,        $32,308,003    $21,376,003
                        2020

 ESSER II Formula       March 31,      $469,848,403               - $574,258,697       September
                        2021                                                                2021


SEA
                     State             Allocated to LEAs      State-Level        Expended/
                     Reservation                              Activities         Obligated

 ESSER I State           $27,263,116            $26,316,773          $ 946,343         $ 946,343
 Level

 ESSER II State         $110,211,341                    TBD              TBD
 Level*

                                                                                             32
*Proposed activities outlined in table above.

             LDOE is forming a stakeholder engagement group of federal
             program directors, business managers, and CFOs to outline the
             funding and budgeting timelines for the remaining ESSER II and III
             allocation and planning cycles.

   iii.      In supporting LEAs as they plan for the safe return to and continuity
             of in-person instruction and for meeting the academic, social,
             emotional, and mental health needs of students resulting from the
             COVID-19 pandemic, the extent to which the SEA is also using
             other Federal funding sources including but not limited to under the
             Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (“ESEA”), IDEA,
             Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (“WIOA”), funding for
             child nutrition services, and McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance
             Act, and the funds to support the needs of students experiencing
             homelessness provided by section 2001(b)(1) of the ARP Act.3


            The table below specifies how the SEA is utilizing other federal
            funding sources to support the needs of students across the state.

               Funds                How they are being used
               Education            Real-time Early Access to Literacy (REAL)
               Stabilization Fund   provides individualized support for students in
               Rethinking           grades pre-K through 3 to make progress in their
               Education Models     literacy development. REAL provides devices,
               (ESF-REM).           connectivity, and tutoring services to eligible
                                    students in these grades.

                                    The REAL Program is funded by a federal grant,
                                    Education Stabilization Fund Rethinking Education
                                    Models (ESF-REM). The grant provides
                                    approximately $17 million total to Louisiana over
                                    the course of three years to improve early literacy
                                    outcomes across the state.

                                    School systems receive funding to establish
                                    literacy tutoring micro grant accounts for eligible
                                    students. Families can browse services in the
                                    LDOE Tutoring Service Provider Guide.

               IDEA (state-level)   Strong Start Compensatory Services are services
                                    offered to students to address lack of progress or
                                    skills lost due to extended school facility closures.
                                    Strong Start compensatory services address the
                                    impact school closures had on students’ progress
                                    towards goals outlined in the students’ IEPs or
                                                                                          33
                                                            IAPs. These services are in addition to the special
                                                            education and related services necessary to provide
                                                            students FAPE as documented in their IEP or IAP.

                                                            The Louisiana Department of Education awarded
                                                            $1.2 million in competitive funding to school
                                                            systems to support the cost of providing
                                                            compensatory services to students with
                                                            disabilities.




    D. Maximizing State-Level Funds to Support Students
    The Department recognizes that States have an extraordinary opportunity to address the
    disproportionate impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on underserved students through the
    ARP Act’s required State set-asides to address the academic impact of lost instructional time,
    provide summer learning and enrichment programs, and provide comprehensive afterschool
    programs. In this section, SEAs will describe their evidence-based strategies for these
    resources.


3
  Please note that the needs of students experiencing homelessness must be addressed (along with the other groups
disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic) through the use of the ARP ESSER SEA reservations and
the required LEA reservation for the academic impact of lost instructional time; the funding provided to support the
needs of students experiencing homelessness by section 2001(b)(1) of the ARP Act is in addition to the supports and
services provided with ARP ESSER funds.




                                                                                                                   34
1. Academic Impact of Lost Instructional Time: Describe how the SEA will use the
   funds it reserves under section 2001(f)(1) of the ARP Act (totaling not less than 5
   percent of the State’s total allocation of ARP ESSER funds) on evidence-based
   interventions to address the academic impact of lost instructional time by
   supporting the implementation of evidence-based interventions, such as summer
   learning or summer enrichment, extended day, comprehensive afterschool
   programs, or extended school year programs, and ensure that such interventions
   respond to students’ academic, social, emotional, and mental health needs. The
   description must include:
        i.       A description of the evidence-based interventions (e.g., providing
                 intensive or high-dosage tutoring, accelerating learning) the SEA has
                 selected, and the extent to which the SEA will evaluate the impact of
                 those interventions on an ongoing basis to understand if they are
                 working;

                 In Summer 2021, 95 out of 165 school systems indicated they were
                 implementing summer learning programs. Based on data collected
                 from school systems, 51% of these programs will be offered full day,
                 and 79% will be offered in person. Within the summer learning
                 programs, school systems have access to Accelerate, a K-12 just-in-
                 time tutoring initiative released by LDOE. To support school systems
                 with summer learning, LDOE released ELA and Math Summer
                 Learning Accelerate guidance. The purpose of Accelerate is to
                 provide an equal-access, just-in-time tutoring model that is focused on
                 identifying, celebrating, and building upon the assets students bring to
                 the learning experience. An acceleration approach addresses
                 unfinished learning in an equitable way. Acceleration means
                 connecting unfinished learning in the context of new learning,
                 integrating new information and the needed prior knowledge. The
                 model has three pillars: intentional structures, effective instruction,
                 and high-quality materials. In addition to the guidance released,
                 LDOE will continue to release tutoring lessons in ELA and math and
                 implementation support such as webinars.

                 The LDOE has identified a cohort of eight school systems that will
                 implement Accelerate as intended. This cohort will be tracked
                 through various measurements to show progress and impact on
                 student learning. This cohort will receive additional support and
                 funding to help implement the strategy effectively. Based on the
                 impact of Accelerate within the cohort, LDOE will continue to
                 improve the Accelerate resources and support based on feedback from
                 school systems within the cohort.

       ii.      How the evidence-based interventions will specifically address the
                disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on certain groups of students,
                including each of the student groups listed in question A.3.i.-viii.
                When possible, please indicate which data sources the SEA will use
                                                                                      35
       to determine the impact of lost instructional time; and

       The Louisiana Department of Education has provided EB Guidance
       to school systems on selecting evidence-based interventions to
       support the academic and mental health of students who were
       disproportionately impacted by COVID-19. The Louisiana
       Department of Education will analyze summative assessment data
       from Spring 2021, as well as historical data for student groups to
       gather more information on students who have been most impacted.
       School systems will use diagnostic assessments and high-quality,
       curriculum-embedded assessments to determine areas of unfinished
       learning that need to be addressed in tutoring groups. Furthermore,
       school systems will use high-quality instructional materials to
       intervene and address student needs.

iii.   The extent to which the SEA will use funds it reserves to identify
       and engage 1) students who have missed the most in-person
       instruction during the 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 school years; and 2)
       students who did not consistently participate in remote instruction
       when offered during school building closures.

       The Louisiana Department of Education is creating a Child Welfare
       and Attendance position to serve within the Office of College and
       Career Readiness. The agency staff member within this position will
       be responsible for leading, managing, and implementing various
       elements of the Child Welfare and Attendance (CWA) programs
       across the state. This position will also serve as the subject matter
       authority on matters of Child Welfare and Attendance, developing
       programs that include multi-agency and multi-level coordination and
       direction.

       LDOE is supporting school systems in implementing the evidence-
       based practice of a Dropout Early Warning System. School systems
       within the state of Louisiana will have the opportunity to install the
       Dropout Early Warning System for the 2022-2023 school year to
       address problems with student attendance, discipline, achievement
       scores, and dropout rates. By allowing school systems the opportunity
       to implement an effective system, LDOE will support systems in
       increasing overall student performance. The timeline for planning and
       implementation is as follows:
             ● Planning year – 2021-2022
             ● Newsletter entries – June/July 2022
             ● Informational webinar – July 2022
             ● Release request for funds – August 2022
             ● Reconcile all funding requests – August 2022
             ● Release funding – September 2022

                                                                          36
  Furthermore, the Louisiana Department of Education is partnering
  with Louisiana State University to re-engage students who have
  missed in-person instruction or have been disengaged in remote
  instruction. This partnership will create a statewide cross-sector
  partnership with the LSU-Social Research and Evaluation Center to
  address the approximately 16,731 students dropping from school
  enrollments. The purpose of this partnership is to locate LDOE
  students who have not been attending school during the 2020-2021
  school year and re-enroll and track Pre-K-12 students for the 2021-
  2022 school year. Specific goals and objectives include the
  following:

      LSU Social Research and Evaluation Center will establish a
         statewide cross sector partnership to promote good school
         attendance practices for Pre-K-12 students and schools.
        Assist in validating and assisting local school systems in
         identifying students in the February 1, 2021 student count but not
         in the October 1, 2020 student count.
        Hire 16 attendance specialists (contracted through LSU SREC).
        Each specialist is to be responsible for locating approximately
         1,000 students and assisting in the re-enrollment of eligible
         students in their local school systems.
        Among students who have not exited the LDOE system, re-enroll
         students that are not attending school (not moved out of state, not
         enrolled in other schools, or not enrolled in a home study
         program).
      Re-introduce students and families that are currently enrolled in other
         school models (e.g., virtual, private schools, home study) to their local
         neighborhood school as an option to return.

LSU-Social Research and Evaluation Center will provide LDOE with various
key deliverables, including:
        Monthly membership rolls of the Louisiana Attendance Alliance
         Initiative and schedule monthly/quarterly meetings.
        Student tracking program in compliance with all Louisiana
         student data privacy laws. The data will be stored in a real time
         data system monitored by LSU for specialists to update and track
         efforts.
        Monthly aggregate status report that will be in compliance with
         student data privacy laws.
        Summary of practices and local contacts that promoted student
         re-engagement.
        Summary of challenges students and families faced while
         engaging with their local LEAs.

At the conclusion of this partnership, LSU-Social Research and
Evaluation Center will develop a comprehensive final report that
includes:
                                                                              37
                     List of student Louisiana Secure IDs by school system with
                      validated exit codes.
                     List of student Louisiana Secure IDs who are eligible to re-enroll
                      in their LEA schools by school and grade.
                     List of student Louisiana Secure IDs RE-ENROLLED by LEA,
                      school, and grade by December 1, 2021.
                     Summary of practices and local contacts that promoted student
                      re-engagement.
                     Summary of challenges students and families faced while
                      engaging with their local LEAs.



2. Evidence-Based Summer Learning and Enrichment Programs: Describe how the
   SEA will use the funds it reserves under section 2001(f)(2) of the ARP Act
   (totaling not less than 1 percent of the State’s total allocation of ARP ESSER
   funds) for evidence-based summer learning and enrichment programs, including
   those that begin in Summer 2021, and ensure such programs respond to students’
   academic, social, emotional, and mental health needs. The description must
   include:
        i.       A description of the evidence-based programs that address the
                 academic, social, emotional, and mental health needs of students
                 (e.g., providing intensive or high-dosage tutoring, accelerating
                 learning) the SEA has selected, and the extent to which the SEA will
                 evaluate the impact of those programs;

                To support school systems with planning and budgeting for the use of
                ESSER III Evidence-Based funds, the Louisiana Department of
                Education developed EB Guidance, which includes general
                information regarding U.S. Department of Education (ED)
                requirements relevant to the ESSER III funds for evidence-based
                interventions, as well as resources to support school systems with
                determining interventions that would support their students.

                Louisiana released approved Clearinghouses with Initiatives to
                support school systems with budgeting evidence-based funds. School
                systems can fund initiatives released by the Louisiana Department of
                Education through the Achieve! Priorities-Based Planning Guide for
                School Systems and therefore are not required to provide research to
                LDOE relevant to the level of evidence of the intervention.
                Additionally, a school system can select an evidence-based
                educational intervention or social-emotional intervention accessible
                through the following clearinghouses: What Works Clearinghouse,
                Promising Practices Network, Blueprints for Healthy Youth
                Development, and Social Programs That Work. If a school system
                plans to budget ESSER III evidence-based funds for interventions not
                from the clearinghouse websites or the initiatives listed within the
                                                                                     38
      Achieve! Priorities-Based Planning Guide for School Systems, the
      school system is required to upload research evidence to the
      Louisiana Department of Education.

      It is important for school systems to strategically plan for the
      implementation of evidence-based interventions. School system plans
      should address communication of the intervention to stakeholders,
      professional development for teachers and leaders, guidance for
      implementation of the intervention at the school level, and progress
      monitoring expectations to determine the impact on student outcomes.
      The Department will gather information from school systems on the
      implementation and impact of the evidence-based interventions
      through future surveys and focus groups.

ii.   How the evidence-based programs will specifically address the
      disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on certain groups of students,
      including each of the student groups listed in question A.3. i.--viii.
      When possible, please indicate which data sources the SEA will use




                                                                           39
       to identify students most in need of summer learning and enrichment
       programs; and

       Of the total amount allocated to an LEA from the State’s ARP ESSER
       III award, LEAs must reserve at least 20% of funds to address
       learning loss through the implementation of evidence-based
       interventions for:
             Meeting students’ social, emotional, mental, and physical
                health and academic needs, including through meeting basic
                student needs, reengaging students, and providing access to a
                safe and inclusive learning environment;
             Addressing the impact of COVID-19 on students’
                opportunity to learn, including closing the digital divide,
                implementing strategies for accelerating learning, effectively
                using data, and addressing resource inequities.
                Supporting educator and staff well-being and stability,
                including by stabilizing a diverse and qualified educator
                workforce.

       School systems should implement evidence-based and practitioner-
       informed strategies to respond to students’ social, emotional, and
       academic needs and address the disproportionate impact of COVID-
       19 on underrepresented student subgroups (each major racial and
       ethnic group, children from low-income families, children with
       disabilities, English learners, migrant students, students experiencing
       homelessness, and children and youth in foster care). The Louisiana
       Department of Education will analyze summative assessment data
       from Spring 2021 as well as historical data for student groups to
       identify which students are most in need of intervention or enrichment
       programs.

iii.   The extent to which the SEA will use funds it reserves to identify
       and engage 1) students who have missed the most in-person
       instruction during the 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 school years; and 2)
       students who did not consistently participate in remote instruction
       when offered during school building closures.

       Approximately 16,000 students have not attended school from the end
       of the 2019-2020 academic year to the 2020-2021 academic year. The
       SEA has established a partnership with the Social Research and
       Evaluation Center (SREC) at Louisiana State University to establish a
       statewide cross-sector partnership to promote good school attendance
       practices for Pre-K-12 students and schools. This partnership will also
       assist LEAs with identifying students who were enrolled in school on
       February 1, 2020, but not enrolled on October 1, 2020. A cadre of
       SREC attendance specialists will assist the LEAs who opt-in to this

                                                                           40
                 program with re-enrollment of eligible students (those who have not
                 exited the LDOE system) in the LEA.

                 The Louisiana Department of Education is creating a Child Welfare
                 and Attendance position to serve within the Office of College and
                 Career Readiness. The agency staff member in this position will be
                 responsible for leading, managing, and implementing various
                 elements of the Child Welfare and Attendance (CWA) programs
                 across the state. This staff member will also serve as the subject
                 matter authority on matters of Child Welfare and Attendance,
                 developing programs that include multi-agency and multi-level
                 coordination and direction.

3. Evidence-Based Comprehensive Afterschool Programs: Describe how the SEA
   will use the funds it reserves under section 2001(f)(3) of the ARP Act (totaling
   not less than 1 percent of the State’s total allocation of ARP ESSER funds) for
   evidence-based comprehensive afterschool programs (including, for example,
   before-school programming), and ensure such programs respond to students’
   academic, social, emotional, and mental health needs. The description must
   include:
        i.       A description of the evidence-based programs (e.g., including
                 partnerships with community-based organizations) the SEA has
                 selected, and the extent to which the SEA will evaluate the impact of
                 those programs;

                 In order for ARP ESSER funding to be allocated to after school
                 programs, school systems must identify the evidence-based
                 intervention that will be implemented in the after school program.
                 School systems are submitting research evidence to support their
                 selected evidence-based interventions through the budget
                 application system. LEAs are required to progress monitor data
                 from the evidence-based intervention in order to evaluate its impact
                 on students. The Department will gather information from school
                 systems on the implementation and impact of the evidence-based
                 interventions through future surveys and focus groups. From the
                 feedback received from the focus groups and surveys, LDOE will
                 analyze evidence-based implementation data of successful programs
                 and school systems to highlight the programs and systems as
                 Models of Excellence.

       ii.       How the evidence-based programs will specifically address the
                 disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on certain groups of students,
                 including each of the student groups listed in question A.3.i.-viii.
                 When possible, please indicate which data sources the SEA will use
                 to identify students most in need of comprehensive afterschool
                 programming; and

                                                                                     41
       The Louisiana Department of Education is guiding school systems
       to select evidence-based interventions that address the student
       groups most impacted by COVID-19. To support school systems
       with determining which groups of students are disproportionately
       impacted, LDOE will continue to collect data through focus groups
       and surveys that are targeted at a variety of stakeholders. The
       Department will also update the current Learning Model Dashboard
       to collect data by student groups within each school system.

iii.   the extent to which the SEA will use funds it reserves to identify and
       engage 1) students who have missed the most in-person instruction
       during the 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 school years; and 2) students
       who did not consistently participate in remote instruction when
       offered during school building closures.

       The Louisiana Department of Education is creating a Child Welfare
       and Attendance position to serve within the Office of College and
       Career Readiness. The agency staff member within this position will
       be responsible for leading, managing, and implementing various
       elements of the Child Welfare and Attendance (CWA) programs
       across the state. This position will also serve as the subject matter
       authority on matters of Child Welfare and Attendance, developing
       programs that include multi-agency and multi-level coordination and
       direction.

       Also, school systems within the state of Louisiana will have the
       opportunity to install a Dropout Early Warning System that addresses
       problems with student attendance, discipline, achievement scores, and
       dropout rates. By allowing school systems the opportunity to
       implement an effective system, LDOE will support systems in
       increasing overall student performance.

       Furthermore, the Louisiana Department of Education is partnering
       with Louisiana State University to re-engage students who have
       missed in-person instruction or have been disengaged in remote
       instruction. This partnership will create a statewide cross-sector
       partnership with the LSU-Social Research and Evaluation Center to
       address the approximately 16,731 students dropping from school
       enrollments. The purpose of this partnership is to locate LDOE
       students who have not been attending school during the 2020-2021
       school year and re-enroll and track Pre-K-12 students for the 2021-
       2022 school year. Specific goals and objectives include the following:

            LSU Social Research and Evaluation Center will establish a
             statewide cross sector partnership to promote good school
             attendance practices for Pre-K-12 students and schools.

                                                                            42
     Assist in validating and assisting local school systems in
      identifying students in the February 1, 2021 student count but
      not in the October 1, 2020 student count.
     Hire 16 attendance specialists (contracted through LSU SREC).
     Each specialist is to be responsible for locating approximately
      1,000 students and assisting in the re-enrollment of eligible
      students in their local school systems.
     Among students who have not exited the LDOE system, re-
      enroll students that are not attending school (not moved out of
      state, not enrolled in other schools, or not enrolled in a home
      study program).
     Re-introduce students and families that are currently enrolled in
      other school models (e.g., virtual, private schools, home study)
      to their local neighborhood school as an option to return.

LSU-Social Research and Evaluation Center will provide LDOE with
various key deliverables, including:

     Monthly membership rolls of the Louisiana Attendance
      Alliance Initiative and schedule monthly/quarterly meetings.
     Student tracking program in compliance with all Louisiana
      student data privacy laws. The data will be stored in a real time
      data system monitored by LSU for specialists to update and
      track efforts.
     Monthly aggregate status report that will be in compliance with
      student data privacy laws.
     Summary of practices and local contacts that promoted student
      re-engagement.
     Summary of challenges students and families faced while
      engaging with their local LEAs.

At the conclusion of this partnership, LSU-Social Research and
Evaluation Center will develop a comprehensive final report that
includes:

     List of student Louisiana Secure IDs by school system with
      validated exit codes.
     List of student Louisiana Secure IDs who are eligible to re-
      enroll in their LEA schools by school and grade.
     List of student Louisiana Secure IDs RE-ENROLLED by LEA,
      school, and grade by December 1, 2021.
     Summary of practices and local contacts that promoted student
      re-engagement.
     Summary of challenges students and families faced while
      engaging with their local LEAs.



                                                                    43
4. Emergency Needs: If the SEA plans to reserve funds for emergency needs under
   section 2001(f)(4) of the ARP Act to address issues responding to the COVID-19
   pandemic, describe the anticipated use of those funds, including the extent to
   which these funds will build SEA and LEA capacity to ensure students’ and
   staff’s health and safety; to meet students’ academic, social, emotional, and
   mental health needs; and to use ARP ESSER funds to implement evidence-based
   interventions.

   The Louisiana Department of Education will not reserve funds for emergency
   needs under section 2001(f)(4) of the ARP Act to address issues responding to
   the COVID-19 pandemic.




                                                                                   44
E. Supporting LEAs in Planning for and Meeting Students’ Needs
The Department recognizes that the safe return to in-person instruction must be accompanied
by a focus on meeting students’ academic, social, emotional, and mental health needs, and by
addressing the opportunity gaps that existed before – and were exacerbated by – the
pandemic. In this section, SEAs will describe how they will support their LEAs in
developing high-quality plans for LEAs’ use of ARP ESSER funds to achieve these
objectives.

       1. LEA Plans for the Use of ARP ESSER Funds: Describe what the SEA will
          require its LEAs to include in LEA plans consistent with the ARP ESSER
          requirements for the use of ARP ESSER funds, how the SEA will require such
          plans to be made available to the public, and the deadline by which the LEA must
          submit its ARP ESSER plan (which must be a reasonable timeline and should be
          within no later than 90 days after receiving its ARP ESSER allocation). The LEA
          plans must include, at a minimum:
               i.       The extent to which and how the funds will be used to implement
                        prevention and mitigation strategies that are, to the greatest extent
                        practicable, in line with the most recent CDC guidance, in order to
                        continuously and safely operate schools for in-person learning;
              ii.       How the LEA will use the funds it reserves under section 2001(e)(1)
                        of the ARP Act (totaling not less than 20 percent of the LEA’s total
                        allocation of ARP ESSER funds) to address the academic impact of
                        lost instructional time through the implementation of evidence-based
                        interventions, such as summer learning or summer enrichment,
                        extended day, comprehensive afterschool programs, or extended
                        school year programs;
             iii.       How the LEA will spend its remaining ARP ESSER funds consistent
                        with section 2001(e)(2) of the ARP Act; and
             iv.        How the LEA will ensure that the interventions it implements,
                        including but not limited to the interventions under section
                        2001(e)(1) of the ARP Act to address the academic impact of lost
                        instructional time, will respond to the academic, social, emotional,
                        and mental health needs of all students, and particularly those
                        students disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic,
                        including students from low-income families, students of color,
                        English learners, children with disabilities, students experiencing
                        homelessness, children and youth in foster care, and migratory
                        students.


           The Louisiana Department of Education developed updated guidance to provide
           school systems with school reopening guidance and resources. This resource
           includes the most recent recommendations and guidance from the CDC in order to
           safely reopen and operate schools.



                                                                                           45
Of the total amount allocated to an LEA from the State’s ARP ESSER III award,
LEAs must reserve at least 20% of funds to address learning loss through the
implementation of evidence-based interventions for:
     Meeting students’ social, emotional, mental, and physical health and
        academic needs, including through meeting basic student needs, reengaging
        students, and providing access to a safe and inclusive learning environment;
     Addressing the impact of COVID-19 on students’ opportunity to learn,
        including closing the digital divide, implementing strategies for accelerating
        learning, effectively using data, and addressing resource inequities.
        Supporting educator and staff well-being and stability, including by
        stabilizing a diverse and qualified educator workforce.

School systems will implement evidence-based and practitioner-informed strategies
to respond to students’ social, emotional, and academic needs and to address the
disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on underrepresented student subgroups
(each major racial and ethnic group, children from low-income families, children
with disabilities, English learners, migrant students, students experiencing
homelessness, and children and youth in foster care). Schools and systems will
monitor the implementation of the evidence-based interventions for students.

Furthermore, school systems were required to sign ESSER I and ESSER II
assurances as part of the application process.

Assurances for ESSER I applications:
PROGRAMMATIC, FISCAL, AND REPORTING ASSURANCES
1. The LEA will use ESSER Formula funds for activities allowable under section
   18003(d) of Division B of the CARES Act. (See Appendix A.) Note: The U.S.
   Department of Education generally does not consider the following to be an
   allowable use of ESSER funds, under any part of 18003: 1) subsidizing or
   offsetting executive salaries and benefits of individuals who are not employees
   of the LEAs or 2) expenditures related to state or local teacher or faculty unions
   or associations.
2. The LEA will provide equitable services to students and teachers in non-public
   schools as required under 18005 of Division B of the CARES Act. The LEA
   will maintain control of funds for the services and assistance provided to a non-
   public school under the ESSER Fund and have title to materials, equipment,
   and property purchased with ESSER funds. Services provided to a non-public
   school with ESSER funds will be provided by the LEA directly, or through
   contract with another public or private entity.
3. The LEA will, to the greatest extent practicable, continue to compensate its
   employees and contractors during the period of any disruptions or closures
   related to COVID-19 in compliance with Section 18006 of Division B of the
   CARES Act. In addition, the LEA will continue to pay employees and
   contractors to the greatest extent practicable based on the unique financial
   circumstances of the entity. CARES Act funds generally will not be used for
   bonuses, merit pay, or similar expenditures, unless related to disruptions or
   closures resulting from COVID-19.
                                                                                   46
4. The LEA will comply with all reporting requirements, including those in
   Section 1501l(b)(2) of Division B of the CARES Act, and any others required
   by the Louisiana Department of Education in order to comply with federal
   reporting requirements. Note: The U.S. Department of Education notified
   States that it may require additional reporting in the future, which may include:
   the methodology LEAs will use to provide services or assistance to students
   and staff in both public and non-public schools and the uses of funds by the
   LEAs or other entities and demonstration of their compliance with Section
   18003(d), such as any use of funds addressing the digital divide, including
   securing access to home-based connectivity and remote-use devices, related
   issues in supporting remote learning for all students, including disadvantaged
   populations.
5. The LEA will cooperate with any examination of records with respect to such
   funds by making records available for inspection, production, and examination,
   and authorized individuals available for interview and examination, upon the
   request of (i) the U.S. Department of Education and/or its Inspector General;
   (ii) any other federal agency, commission, or department in the lawful exercise
   of its jurisdiction and authority; and (iii) the Louisiana Department of
   Education.

OTHER ASSURANCES AND CERTIFICATIONS
1. The LEA will comply with all applicable assurances in OMB Standard Forms
   424B and D (Assurances for Non-Construction and Construction Programs),
   including the assurances relating to the legal authority to apply for assistance;
   access to records; conflict of interest; merit systems; nondiscrimination; Hatch
   Act provisions; labor standards; flood hazards; historic preservation; protection
   of human subjects; animal welfare; lead-based paint; Single Audit Act; and the
   general agreement to comply with all applicable Federal laws, executive orders
   and regulations.
2. The LEA certifies, to the best of its knowledge and belief, that:
      No Federal appropriated funds have been paid or will be paid, by or on
        behalf of the undersigned, to any person for influencing or attempting to
        influence an officer or employee of an agency, a Member of Congress, an
        officer or employee of Congress, or an employee of a Member of
        Congress in connection with the awarding of any Federal contract, the
        making of any Federal grant, the making of any Federal loan, the entering
        into of any cooperative agreement, and the extension, continuation,
        renewal, amendment, or modification of any Federal contract, grant, loan,
        or cooperative agreement.
        If any funds other than Federal appropriated funds have been paid or will
        be paid to any person for influencing or attempting to influence an officer
        or employee of any agency, a Member of Congress, an officer or
        employee of Congress, or an employee of a Member of Congress in
        connection with this Federal contract, grant, loan, or cooperative
        agreement, the LEA will complete and submit Standard Form-LLL,
        "Disclosure Form to Report Lobbying," in accordance with its
        instructions.
                                                                                 47
        The LEA will include the language of this certification in the award
         documents for all subawards at all tiers (including subcontracts,
         subgrants, and contracts under grants, loans, and cooperative agreements)
         and ensure that all subrecipients shall certify and disclose accordingly.
3. The LEA will comply with the Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost
   Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (Uniform Guidance)
   requirements in Subpart D-Post Federal Award Requirements (2
   CFR§§200.300-345) and Subpart E-Cost Principles (2 CFR§§200.400-475) to
   ensure that LEAs, including charter schools that are LEAs, are using ESSER
   funds for purposes that are reasonable, necessary, and allocable under the
   CARES Act.
4. The LEA will comply with the provisions of all applicable acts, regulations and
   assurances; the following provisions of Education Department General
   Administrative Regulations (EDGAR) 34 CFR parts 76, 77, 81, 82, 84, 97, 98,
   and 99; the OMB Guidelines to Agencies on Government wide Debarment and
   Suspension (Non procurement) in 2 CFR part 180, as adopted and amended as
   regulations of the Department in 2 CFR part 3485; and the Uniform Guidance
   in 2 CFR part 200, as adopted and amended as regulations of the Department in
   2 CFR part 3474.

Assurances for ESSER II applications:
PROGRAMMATIC, FISCAL, AND REPORTING ASSURANCES
1. The LEA will use ESSER II Formula funds for activities allowable under
   section 313(d) of Division M of the CRRSA Act. The U.S. Department of
   Education generally does not consider the following to be an allowable use of
   ESSER II funds, under any part of section 313: Subsidizing or offsetting
   executive salaries and benefits of individuals who are not employees of the
   LEAs or Expenditures related to state or local teacher or faculty unions or
   associations.
2. An LEA that receives ESSER II funds under this grant is not required to
   provide equitable services to non-public school students and teachers with the
   ESSER II funding.
3. The LEA will, to the greatest extent practicable, continue to compensate its
   employees and contractors during the period of any disruptions or closures
   related to COVID-19 in compliance with section 315 of Division M or the
   CRRSA Act. In addition, the LEA will continue to pay employees and
   contractors to the greatest extent practicable based on the unique financial
   circumstances of the entity. ESSER II funds generally will not be used for
   bonuses, merit pay, or similar expenditures, unless related to disruptions or
   closures resulting from COVID-19.
4. The LEA will comply with all reporting requirements, including those in
   section 15011 of the CARES Act and section 313(f) of Division M of the
   CRRSA Act and any others required by the Louisiana Department of Education
   in order to comply with federal reporting requirements. Note: The U.S.
   Department of Education notified States that the report must provide a detailed
   accounting of the use of funds, including how funds are used to measure and
   address learning loss among students disproportionately affected by
                                                                               48
   coronavirus and school closures, including low-income students, children with
   disabilities, English learners, racial and ethnic minorities, students experiencing
   homelessness, and children and youth in foster care. The Secretary of the U.S.
   Department of Education may require additional reporting in the future. (See
   also 2 CFR 200.328-200.329).
5. Records pertaining to the ESSER II award under 2 C.F.R § 200.334 and 34
   C.F.R. § 76.730, including financial records related to use of grant funds, will
   be retained separately from the LEA's ESSER I funds. Every subrecipient of
   ESSER II funds will cooperate with any examination of records with respect to
   such funds by making records available for inspection, production, and
   examination, and authorized individuals available for interview and
   examination, upon the request of (i) the U.S. Department of Education and/or
   its Inspector General; or (ii) any other federal agency, commission, or
   department in the lawful exercise of its jurisdiction and authority; and (iii) the
   Louisiana Department of Education.

OTHER ASSURANCES AND CERTIFICATIONS
1. The LEA will comply with all applicable assurances in OMB Standard Forms
   424B and D (Assurances for Non-Construction and Construction Programs),
   including the assurances relating to the legal authority to apply for assistance;
   access to records; conflict of interest; merit systems; nondiscrimination; Hatch
   Act provisions; labor standards; flood hazards; historic preservation; protection
   of human subjects; animal welfare; lead-based paint; Single Audit Act; and the
   general agreement to comply with all applicable Federal laws, executive orders
   and regulations.
2. The LEA certifies, to the best of its knowledge and belief, that: No Federal
   appropriated funds have been paid or will be paid, by or on behalf of the
   undersigned. to any person for influencing or attempting to influence an officer
   or employee of an agency, a Member of Congress, an officer or employee of
   Congress, or an employee of a Member of Congress in connection with the
   awarding of any Federal contract, the making of any Federal grant, the making
   of any Federal loan, the entering into of any cooperative agreement, and the
   extension, continuation, renewal, amendment, or modification of any Federal
   contract, grant, loan, or cooperative agreement.
     o If any funds other than Federal appropriated funds have been paid or will
        be paid to any person for influencing or attempting to influence an officer
        or employee of any agency, a Member of Congress, an officer or
        employee of Congress, or an employee of a Member of Congress in
        connection with this Federal contract, grant, loan, or cooperative
        agreement, the LEA will complete and submit Standard Form-LLL,
        "Disclosure Form to Report Lobbying,"in accordance with its
        instructions.
     o The LEA will include the language of this certification in the award
        documents for all subawards at all tiers (including subcontracts,
        subgrants, and contracts under grants, loans, and cooperative agreements)
        and ensure that all subrecipients shall certify and disclose accordingly.

                                                                                   49
   3. The LEA will comply with the Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost
      Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (Uniform Guidance)
      requirements in Subpart 0.-Post Federal Award Requirements (2 CFR
      §§200.300-345) and Subpart E--Cost Principles (2 CFR§§200.400-475) to
      ensure that LEAs, including charter schools that are LEAs, are using ESSER II
      funds for purposes that are reasonable, necessary, and allocable under the
      CARES Act.
   4. The LEA will comply with the provisions of all applicable acts, regulations and
      assurances; the following provisions of Education Department General
      Administrative Regulations (EDGAR) 34 CFR parts 76, 77, 81,82, 84, 97, 98,
      and 99;the OMB Guidelines to Agencies on Government wide Debarment and
      Suspension (Non-procurement) in 2 CFR part 180, as adopted and amended as
      regulations of the Department in 2 CFR part 3485; and the Uniform Guidance
      in 2 CFR part 200, as adopted and amended as regulations of the Department in
      2 CFR part 3474.


2. LEA Consultation: Describe how the SEA will, in planning for the use of ARP
   ESSER funds, ensure that, consistent with the ARP ESSER requirements], its
   LEAs engage in meaningful consultation with stakeholders, including, but not
   limited to:
       i.      students;
      ii.      families;




                                                                                  50
      iii.       school and district administrators (including special education
                 administrators); and
       iv.       teachers, principals, school leaders, other educators, school staff, and
                 their unions.
   The LEA must also engage in meaningful consultation with each of the following
   to the extent present in or served by the LEA:
         i.      Tribes;
        ii.      civil rights organizations (including disability rights organizations);
                 and
       iii.      stakeholders representing the interests of children with disabilities,
                 English learners, children experiencing homelessness, children and
                 youth in foster care, migratory students, children who are
                 incarcerated, and other underserved students.
   The description must also include how the SEA will ensure that LEAs provide the
   public the opportunity to provide input in the development of the LEA’s plan for
   the use of ARP ESSER funds and take such input into account.

   The Louisiana Department of Education informed LEAs that they must allow for
   public comment and feedback on the school reopening plan. LDOE has specified
   that school systems should allow for more than one way in which school systems
   allow for the public to provide comments. For example, a school system may
   include an opportunity for public comment during a school board meeting;
   however, the Department recommends school systems also provide another means
   through which the public can submit feedback. This may include capturing
   feedback through a collection form on the LEA website.

   Furthermore, LDOE has engaged with various stakeholders, including students,
   parents, teachers, system leaders, and school leaders. These engagements hosted by
   LDOE include the following:
       Stakeholder calls in January 2021 and February 2021
       System leader calls throughout the 2020-2021 school year
       Roundtable discussions with school superintendents and Chief Academic
          Officers
       Newsletters released throughout the 2020-2021 school year
       Surveys collected and focus group conducted

   LDOE plans to continue engaging with various stakeholders during the summer
   and 2021-2022 school year. The Department will continue to require LEAs to
   engage in meaningful consultation with stakeholders and will include this
   requirement within the assurances signed by each LEA in completing the
   application for ARP ESSER funds.

3. Describe how the SEA will support and monitor its LEAs in using ARP ESSER
   funds. The description must include:
       i.       How the SEA will support and monitor its LEAs’ implementation of
                evidence-based interventions that respond to students’ academic,
                social, emotional, and mental health needs, such as through summer
                                                                                       51
      learning or summer enrichment, extended day, comprehensive
      afterschool programs, or extended school year programs – including
      the extent to which the SEA will collect evidence of the
      effectiveness of interventions employed;

      To support school systems with selecting evidence-based
      interventions that respond to the academic, social, emotional, and
      mental health needs of students, the Louisiana Department of
      Education has released approved Clearinghouses with Initiatives to
      support school systems with budgeting evidence-based funds. School
      systems can fund initiatives released by the Louisiana Department of
      Education through the Achieve! Priorities-Based Planning Guide for
      School Systems and therefore are not required to provide research to
      LDOE relevant to the level of evidence of the intervention.
      Additionally, a school system can select an evidence-based
      educational intervention or social-emotional intervention through the
      following clearinghouses: What Works Clearinghouse, Promising
      Practices Network, Blueprints for Healthy Youth Development, and
      Social Programs That Work. If a school system plans to budget
      ESSER III evidence-based funds for interventions not from the
      clearinghouse websites or the initiatives listed within the Achieve!
      Priorities-Based Planning Guide for School
      Systems, the school system is required to submit research evidence to
      the Louisiana Department of Education. LDOE is reviewing all
      submitted research and determining approval of the ESSER III EB
      funds based on the research evidence uploaded within the school
      system’s application. Also, the Louisiana Department of Education is
      requiring LEAs to track and monitor the impact of the evidence-based
      interventions on students’ academic, social, emotional, and mental
      health. This data will be maintained at the LEA level and provided to
      the Department when requested. The Department will gather
      information from school systems on the implementation and impact of
      the evidence-based interventions through future surveys and focus
      groups. From the feedback received from the focus groups and
      surveys, LDOE will analyze evidence-based implementation data of
      successful programs and school systems to highlight the programs and
      systems as Models of Excellence.

ii.   How the SEA will support and monitor its LEAs in specifically
      addressing the disproportionate impact of the COVID-19 pandemic
      on certain groups of students, including each of the student groups
      listed in question A.3.i.-viii; and

      To support school systems with planning for and budgeting for
      ESSER funds, the Louisiana Department of Education released the
      Strong Start 2020 and Achieve! Priorities-Based Planning Guide for
      School Systems. This guidance includes initiatives and resources for
                                                                            52
       school systems to implement to support various student groups. Once
       school system applications are received, all applications are reviewed
       by LDOE to ensure they are aligned to the Department’s Educational
       Priorities as well as the ESSER allowabilities.

iii.   How the SEA will support and monitor its LEAs in using ARP
       ESSER funds to identify, reengage, and support students most likely
       to have experienced the impact of lost instructional time on student
       learning, such as:
       a. Students who have missed the most in-person instruction during
           the 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 school years;
       b. Students who did not consistently participate in remote
           instruction when offered during school building closures; and
       c. Students most at-risk of dropping out of school.

       Based on data received from school systems, approximately 16,000
       students have not attended school from the end of the 2019-2020
       academic year to the 2020-2021 academic year. The Louisiana
       Department of Education is partnering with Louisiana State University
       to form the LSU Attendance Alliance. This alliance was developed as
       a result of COVID-19 and the difficulties school systems faced with
       addressing students dropping from school enrollments, which is
       proving to be a continuous challenge for many school systems
       throughout the state. Through this partnership, LSU-SREC will
       provide systems attendance specialists that promote good attendance
       practices to address attendance concerns for all students.

       The Department is also employing an agency specific lead within a
       new Child Welfare and Attendance position to serve within the Office
       of College and Career Readiness. The agency staff member within this
       position will be responsible for leading, managing, and implementing
       various elements of the Child Welfare and Attendance (CWA)
       programs across the state. This staff member will support and monitor
       school systems throughout the state of Louisiana.




                                                                           53
4. Describe the extent to which the SEA will support its LEAs in implementing
   additional strategies for taking educational equity into account in expending ARP
   ESSER funds, including but not limited to:
       i.        Allocating funding both to schools and for districtwide activities
                 based on student need, and
      ii.        Implementing an equitable and inclusive return to in-person
                 instruction. An inclusive return to in-person instruction includes, but
                 is not limited to, establishing policies and practices that avoid the
                 over-use of exclusionary discipline measures (including in- and out-
                 of-school suspensions) and creating a positive and supportive
                 learning environment for all students.

                 Louisiana school systems are supported by the Department to develop
                 multi-year plans that prioritize equity and accelerate opportunities for
                 students with the greatest needs, specifically students and families
                 living in deep poverty, students with disabilities, English learners,
                 migrant students, students experiencing homelessness, and children in
                 foster care. The Department has provided guidance to school systems
                 on analyzing data to determine current needs at individual schools as
                 well as across the district. School systems have updated reopening
                 plans in preparation for the 2021-2022 school year that are focused on
                 in-person instruction.

                 The Louisiana Department of Education has also provided guidance
                 to school systems to support student behavior and discipline.
                 Research shows that students with chronic behavior problems face
                 significant challenges in the classroom. To support school systems
                 with ensuring their students are academically successful, LDOE has
                 provided guidance to school systems on supporting the social and
                 emotional well-being of students. This guidance includes:
                     Multi-Tiered System of Supports: Effective behavior systems
                        should be a critical component of every school system and
                        school. The Department is focused on providing the support
                        and resources needed to implement a tiered system of responses
                        for student behavior and supports.
                     Behavioral Intervention: The Department is committed to
                        enhancing school climate and improving behavioral
                        intervention practices in schools. School systems and schools
                        should prioritize utilization of evidence-based behavioral
                        interventions to ensure students have access to Tier 2 and/or
                        Tier 3 supports to manage behavioral challenges.
                     Social-Emotional Learning: School systems should implement
                        and prioritize evidence-based social-emotional learning to
                        support individual student growth and promote a healthy school
                        climate and culture.


                                                                                       54
                         The Department labels schools as struggling with a UIR-D (Urgent
                         Intervention Required for Discipline) label if the out-of-school
                         suspension rate is more than two times the national average for the
                         past three years (Two times the national average equals 5.2% for
                         grades Pre-K-4 and 20.2% for grades 5-12). In order to shed this
                         status, a school system must have an out-of-school suspension rate
                         that is less than twice the national average for two consecutive years.

                         To support school systems in creating and maintaining a positive and
                         supportive learning environment for all students, the Department
                         released resources within the Achieve! Priorities-Based Planning
                         Guide for School Systems specific to hiring social workers to support
                         students’ mental health, Compensatory Services Guidance for
                         Students with Disabilities, Louisiana Student Well-Being Vendor
                         Guide, and Employee Assistance Programs. These resources, amongst
                         others within the Achieve! Priorities-Based Planning Guide for
                         School Systems, serve as informational references and tools for school
                         systems to utilize in creating a positive and supportive learning
                         environment.


F. Supporting the Educator Workforce
The Department recognizes the toll that the COVID-19 pandemic has taken on the Nation’s
educators as well as students. In this section, SEAs will describe strategies for supporting and
stabilizing the educator workforce and for making staffing decisions that will support
students’ academic, social, emotional, and mental health needs.

       1. Supporting and Stabilizing the Educator Workforce:
             i.       Describe the extent to which the State is facing shortages of
                      educators, education administration personnel, and other school
                      personnel involved in safely reopening schools, and the extent to
                      which they vary by region/type of school district and/or groups of
                      educators (e.g., special educators and related services personnel and
                      paraprofessionals; bilingual or English as a second language
                      educators; science, technology, engineering, and math (“STEM”)
                      educators; career and technical education (“CTE”) educators; early
                      childhood educators). Cite specific data on shortages and needs
                      where available.
                         Complete the table below, changing or adding additional rows as
                         needed, or provide a narrative description.


                         The table below contains two data points from LDOE:
                          1. The number and percent of classes taught by out-of-field and
                             uncertified teachers over the last three years (2018-2019, 2019-
                             2020, 2020-2021) for each subgroup.
                                                                                              55
        2. The number of educators in each subgroup reported in PEP over
           the last three years (2018-2019, 2019-2020, 2020-2021) and the
           rate of change.
       Table F1.
Area               Data on shortages and needs
Special            Percent of special education classes in the 2020-2021 academic year
educators and      taught by out-of-field and uncertified teachers: 17%
related service
personnel and      Percent of special education classes in the 2020-2021 academic year
paraprofessional   taught by out-of-field teachers: 11%
s
                   Average rate of change (from 2018-2019 through 2020-2021
                   academic years) of special educators and related service personnel
                   and paraprofessionals: +10.9%
Bilingual          Percent of world language classes in the 2020-2021 academic year
educators          taught by out-of-field and uncertified teachers: 40%

                   Percent of world language classes in the 2020-2021 academic year
                   taught by out-of-field teachers: 12%

                   Average rate of change (from 2018-2019 through 2020-2021
                   academic years) of bilingual educators: -0.7%
English as a       Percent of English as a second language classes in the 2020-2021
second language    academic year taught by out-of-field and uncertified teachers: 43%
educators
                   Percent of English as a second language classes in the 2020-2021
                   academic year taught by out-of-field teachers: 9%

                   Average rate of change (from 2018-2019 through 2020-2021
                   academic years) of English as a second language educators: -5.5%
STEM educators     Percent of STEM classes in the 2020-2021 academic year taught by
                   out-of-field and uncertified teachers: 23%

                   Percent of STEM classes in the 2020-2021 academic year taught by
                   out-of-field teachers: 11%

                   Average rate of change (from 2018-2019 through 2020-2021
                   academic years) of STEM educators: +5.4%
CTE educators      Percent of CTE classes in the 2020-2021 academic year taught by
                   out-of-field and uncertified teachers: 35%

                   Percent of CTE classes in the 2020-2021 academic year taught by
                   out-of-field teachers: 13%

                   Average rate of change (from 2018-2019 through 2020-2021
                   academic years) of CTE educators: 41.5%




                                                                                        56
Early childhood
educators
                   Schoo    # of           # of           # of           Total #
                   l Year   Teachers       Teachers       Teachers       Teacher
                            with “Yes”     with “No”      with re-       s
                            Certificatio   Certificatio   certificatio
                            n              n              n

                   2020     3431           2163           123            5594

                   2019     4111           2550           163            6661

                   2018     3946           2463           170            6409
School            Average rate of change (from 2018-2019 through 2020-2021
counselors        academic years) of school counselors: -5.3%
Social workers    Average rate of change (from 2018-2019 through 2020-2021
                  academic years) of social workers:-2.4%
Nurses            Average rate of change (from 2018-2019 through 2020-2021
                  academic years) of nurses: -20%
School            Average rate of change (from 2018-2019 through 2020-2021
psychologists     academic years) of school psychologists: -6.5%




                                                                                   57
ii.    Describe how the SEA will assist its LEAs in identifying the most
       urgent areas of shortages or potential shortages, with particular plans
       for individual LEAs facing the most significant needs (e.g., by
       avoiding layoffs, providing high-quality professional learning
       opportunities, and addressing the impact of stress or trauma on
       educators). Include a description of how other Federal COVID-19
       funding (e.g., ESSER and GEER funds under the CARES Act and
       CRRSA Act) have already been used to avoid layoffs during the
       COVID-19 pandemic.

       To support LEAs with avoiding layoffs and potential shortages in
       the most urgent areas, the Louisiana Department of Education
       developed Achieve! Compensation Guidance. This guidance
       provides school systems with role- and demand-based compensation
       examples to guide school system planning when addressing
       students', faculties', and staffs' educational and well-being needs
       that were triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic. It also includes a
       list of potential teacher leader roles and types of models,
       descriptions, and examples to consider when implementing
       additional compensation models, including career pathways for
       teachers, demand-based compensation, and one-time stipends.

iii.   Describe the actions the SEA will take to fill anticipated gaps in
       certified teachers for the start of the 2021-2022 school year and to
       what extent the SEA will further support its LEAs in expanding the
       educator pipeline and educator diversity while addressing the
       immediate needs of students disproportionately impacted by the
       pandemic (e.g., recruiting teaching candidates to provide high-
       dosage tutoring or implementing residencies for teacher candidates).


       The SEA plans to use ESSER set-aside to invest in strengthening the
       educator pipeline while addressing the academic, social, and
       emotional needs of students. Those investments include launching
       new work and expanding current work as follows:


          New teacher supports: Provide monthly mentoring for all first
           year teachers.
          Pre-educator pathways: The ultimate mission of the Louisiana
           Pre-Educator Pathway is to cultivate highly skilled educators by
           guiding young people on a path to becoming accomplished
           teachers, beginning in high school and extending through college
           and into the profession. Through high-quality curriculum focusing
           on anti-bias instruction, classroom culture, professional
           collaboration, understanding assessments, and authentic
                                                                             58
    engagement, the pathway aims to address workforce needs related
    to the recruitment and retention of teachers of color while
    expanding Grow Your Own initiatives across the state of
    Louisiana.
   Content Leader Expansion: The teaching profession remains
    relatively flat with a dearth of leadership opportunities between
    classroom teaching and principalships. For some educators who
    want to remain in the classroom, this can mean limited options to
    grow and take on additional responsibility. In turn, educators who
    do wish to become principals don’t always have the opportunity to
    build the necessary knowledge and skill in a scaffolded way over
    time. The Content Leader role is an important step in the
    leadership pipeline for talented local educators. Content Leaders
    are local educators who have the knowledge, skills, and concrete
    resources to provide high-quality, content-rich, and curriculum-
    specific professional development to new and current teachers in
    their districts.
   Mentor Teacher: LDOE policy requires that all candidates
    pursuing teacher certification complete a year-long residency
    supported by a credentialed mentor teacher. This year-long
    residency allows pre-service teachers to be ready day one upon
    completion of their teacher preparation program. All year-long
    residents are supported by credentialed mentors. Mentors must
    complete a rigorous training and assessment series in order to
    qualify as a certified mentor. This mentor credentialing process
    ensures that those serving in the role of a mentor have the skills
    and knowledge needed to effectively support and develop
    beginning teachers.
    To ensure a cadre of highly trained mentors across the state LDOE
    offered state-wide mentor training for three years. There are now
    twenty-nine BESE approved mentor training programs operating
    across the state. LDOE currently provides funding to
    Comprehensive Intervention Required (CIR) and Urgent
    Intervention Required for Academics (UIR-A) schools to ensure
    these schools have a trained mentor on their campuses through
    Strong Start.

LDOE offers funding to support CIR and UIR-A schools in having
trained Content Leaders. Content Leaders complete a rigorous training
and complete an assessment series that signals that they are prepared
to support other teachers with implementing high quality instruction.
Content leaders provide professional development on high quality
instructional materials and practices and assist with lesson and unit
planning.
In 2020-2021, LDOE provided funding to support school systems in
piloting Grow Your Own programs. These pilot programs will allow
districts to offer aspiring educators high school courses that can earn
                                                                    59
                        them college credit and a pre-educator pathway credential. Programs
                        such as these are instrumental in encouraging high school students to
                        choose a career in education.
                        LDOE provides feedback to teacher preparation programs through the
                        preparation provider accountability system. This accountability
                        system measures the extent to which preparation providers are
                        meeting educator workforce needs, identifying how their graduates
                        are impacting student achievement, and defining the strengths and
                        areas for improvement in their program experience.
                        LDOE makes the results of the teacher preparation accountability
                        system public through the publication of performance profiles,


       2. Staffing to Support Student Needs: Describe the extent to which the SEA has
          developed or will develop strategies and will support its LEAs in increasing
          student access to key support staff within school buildings, including school
          counselors, special education personnel, nurses, social workers, and psychologists
          (e.g. hiring additional personnel or freeing up these staff to focus on providing
          services to students).

           LDOE released Staffing and Scheduling Best Practices Guidance that provides
           systems and school leaders best practices, staffing and scheduling models, cautions
           and tips for implementation, and information on ongoing implementation support.
           In addition, LDOE is providing implementation support for this initiative at no
           cost, which includes three Best Practice webinars; three Job Alike Support Sessions
           for counselors and counselor leadership, school leaders, diverse learner leadership,
           and system academic leadership; and six Q&A sessions. The Technical Support
           Series is provided to systems at a reduced cost and includes three half-day
           workshops and individual coaching support. This guidance and support will help
           systems strategically plan for staffing models and practices that will support
           literacy, acceleration, diverse learner support, and social-emotional learning.


G. Monitoring and Measuring Progress
The Department recognizes that transparency on how ARP ESSER funds are used and their
impact on the Nation’s education system is a fundamental responsibility of Federal, State,
and local government. In this section, SEAs will describe how they are building capacity at
the SEA and LEA levels to ensure high-quality data collection and reporting and to safeguard
funds for their intended purposes.

       1. Capacity for Data Collection and Reporting: It is important for an SEA to
          continuously monitor progress and make adjustments to its strategies, as well as
          to support its LEAs in making adjustments to LEA strategies, based on impact.




                                                                                             60
Describe how the SEA will ensure its capacity and the capacity of its LEAs to
collect data on reporting requirements, including but not limited to the examples
of reporting requirements described in the SEA’s Grant Award Notification (listed
in Appendix B). Describe the SEA’s capacity and strategy to collect data from its
LEAs (disaggregated by student group, where applicable), to the greatest extent
practicable, including any steps the SEA will take to build its capacity in the
future (which may include the use of ARP ESSER and other Federal COVID-19
pandemic funds at the SEA and LEA levels), on issues that may include the
following:
     i.       Student learning, including the academic impact of lost instructional
              time during the COVID-19 pandemic;
    ii.       Opportunity to learn measures (e.g., chronic absenteeism; student
              engagement; use of exclusionary discipline; access to and
              participation in advanced coursework; access to technology,
              including educator access to professional development on the
              effective use of technology; access to high-quality educators; access
              to school counselors, social workers, nurses, and school
              psychologists; and results from student, parent, and/or educator
              surveys);
   iii.       Fiscal data that is comparable across the State (e.g., per-pupil
              expenditures at the LEA and school levels);
   iv.        Jobs created and retained (by position type);
    v.        Participation in programs funded by ARP ESSER resources (e.g.,
              summer and afterschool programs); and
   vi.        Other reporting requirements reasonably required by the Secretary
              (please refer to Appendix B of this template; final requirements will
              be issued separately).

             The Louisiana Department of Education collects CLASS® data
             through observations of all publicly funded infant, toddler, and pre-K
             classrooms statewide. In grades K-3, school systems administer a
             literacy screener to each student within the first 30 days of the school
             year. Louisiana administers LEAP assessments in grades 3-8 and high
             school during spring semesters. These annual assessments in English
             Language Arts, mathematics, social studies, and science provide
             information on which students have met grade-level standards and
             which students are struggling to meet grade-level standards. The
             Department will continue to collect student learning data through
             initiatives such as Accelerate, which includes high-quality
             assessments aligned to high-quality instructional materials.

             LDOE collects absentee and discipline data from each school system,
             as well as advanced placement data through the Student Transcript
             System. The Louisiana Department of Education will continue to
             collect the student absentee, disciple, and advanced placement data in
             the 2021-2022 school year. Furthermore, LDOE is supporting school
             systems in implementing the evidence-based practice of a Dropout
                                                                                  61
Early Warning System. School systems within the state of Louisiana
will have the opportunity to install the Dropout Early Warning
System for the 2022-2023 school year to address problems with
student attendance, discipline, achievement scores, and dropout rates.

During the 2021-2022 school year, the Louisiana Department of
Education will continue to gather data from school systems on
educator jobs retained by type through the workforce data collection.
LDOE will also collect participation data specific to programs funded
with ARP ESSER funds, as well as any other indicators required by
the Secretary of ED.

In August 2021, LDOE will release a fiscal dashboard that reports
how school systems are budgeting and spending their money. The
dashboard will include data at the SEA and LEA level:


    Total allocated, budgeted, spent, remaining (by fund source -
     GEER I, ESSER I, II, & III)
    Total budgeted and expended by EIC alpha codes (ex. CRCL)
     (by fund source - GEER I, GEER II & III EANS, ESSER I, II,
     & III)
    Total budgeted and expended by priority (by fund source -
     ESSER II & III, GEER II & III EANS)


Capacity to collect data on the reporting requirements will be ensured
by continuing to use, develop, and refine existing data collection
processes at the SEA and LEA levels. Through coordination with its
vendor/developer for the electronic grants management system
(eGMS), the LDOE had previously developed a data collection tool
for LEAs to report ESSER I/CARES expenditures. As reporting
requirements for ARPA are made available, the LDOE will refine this
tool to capture LEA self-reported data. The LDOE will also
coordinate internally with appropriate divisions to assure that required
financial, accountability, demographic, and pandemic-response
related data is made available to meet ARPA reporting requirements.
Additionally, LDOE assigned staff will attend and participate in ED
sponsored training and outreach activities related to the reporting
requirements. The LDOE’s strategy to collect data from its LEAs
begins with LEA agreement to comply with all reporting requirements
as part of the assurances associated with ESSER III/ARPA funding.
Additionally, the reporting data collection tool within the eGMS
application is a required component of the overall grant process. The
data collection tool is released in a limited-time frame that requires
timely response on the part of the LEA. LEA data is first reviewed via
the system consistency check process that activates system process
                                                                     62
                 halts, such as the completion of grant amendments and reimbursement
                 requests, until all data is submitted. Comprehensive outreach about
                 reporting requirements is accomplished through the Federal Support
                 and Grantee Relations (FSGR) monthly call, announcements
                 contained in the State Superintendent’s weekly newsletter, accurate
                 and timely responses to LDOE Grants Help Desk inquiries, and
                 coordination with the LDOE Equitable Inclusion and Opportunities
                 (EIO) Office to assist in disseminating reporting information to LEA
                 Charter School operators. All the described processes and actions are
                 designed to ensure that high-quality data is collected and reported in
                 compliance with ARPA requirements.

2. Monitoring and Internal Controls: Describe how the SEA will implement
   appropriate fiscal monitoring of and internal controls for the ARP ESSER funds
   (e.g., by updating the SEA’s plan for monitoring funds and internal controls under
   the CARES and CRRSA Acts; addressing potential sources of waste, fraud, and
   abuse; conducting random audits; or other tools). In this response, please describe
   the SEA’s current capacity to monitor ARP ESSER; steps, if needed, to increase
   capacity; and any foreseeable gaps in capacity, including how the SEA will
   provide its LEAs with technical assistance in the anticipated areas of greatest
   need.

                            ARP ESSER Monitoring
                                   Plan


   The Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) will engage in the following
   procedures as it relates to fiscal and program monitoring of funds received from the
   ARP ESSER funds. From the date of receipt, any subrecipient of ARP ESSER
   funds will have an implementation period prior to being monitored by the state
   education agency. LDOE will implement an initial phase of ARP ESSER
   monitoring during year one of activity implementation until funds have been
   depleted.


   A combination of fiscal and program risks will serve as part of LDOE’s ARP
   ESSER monitoring. The following risk factors will determine which school systems
   are selected for monitoring after the first year of implementation:


      1. The LEA received and expended ARP ESSER funds.
      2. The LEA was selected for monitoring in one or more other federally funded
         programs during the same fiscal year.
      3. The LEA’s fiscal risk assessment according to the Internal Controls guide.




                                                                                     63
Subrecipients not targeted for monitoring through the above risk factors will be
monitored on a cycle within 18 months of receipt of funds. In addition, each
subrecipient must hire an independent firm to conduct a single audit after the first
of implementation. The subrecipient will then have 30 days after the audit results
are available to provide a copy of those results to the state internal auditor. The
Department’s audit resolution team will then initiate our standard audit resolution
procedures, which will result in a closure or notice of action. Full resolution will
occur within six months if a notice of action is issued.


Evidence of the following components will be evaluated during ESSER monitoring:

     Activities authorized by the ESEA, IDEA, and other federal programs;
     Results of the ARP ESSER funding needs assessment;
     Implementation of program expenditures, such as technology, materials and
      supplies, contracts for professional services, summer and after school
      programs, and other relevant expenditures;
     Allowable expenditures aligned to key priorities.

The Department will develop and utilize a standard monitoring protocol
specifically for ARP ESSER. The monitoring protocol will:

     Identify key areas being monitored;
     List examples of supporting documentation the school system may provide
      as evidence of effective implementation;
     Confirm a determination of compliance on the part of the state monitor.
         o If a LEA has no findings of non-compliance, a notice of closure will
             be generated.
         o If there are findings of non-compliance, the LEA will be required to
             participate in the agency’s corrective action process.

All ESSER monitoring will be conducted via a desk audit unless otherwise
required.

The Louisiana Department of Education has an ongoing internal controls process
for federal grant programs. This process includes pre-award controls, on-going
controls, and post-award controls.




                                                                                  64
Appendix A: School Operating Status and Instructional Mode Data Template
Indicate the date or time period represented by the following data.
Data as of 5/11/2021 as reported by school systems.

Table 1
In the most recent time period available, how many schools in your State offered each mode of
instruction or learning model described below? Each row should account for all schools in your
State, so that, for each row, the sum of the numbers in the “offered to all students,” “offered to
some students,” and “not offered” columns is equal to the number in the “all schools” column.


The table below contains data on the number of schools throughout the state of Louisiana offering
each mode of instruction.
    Mode of Instruction                                               Number of Schools

    Combination 100% In Person and 100% Virtual                       909

    100% In Person                                                    157

    Combination of 100% In Person, 100% Hybrid, and 100% Virtual      127

    Combination 100% Virtual and 100% Hybrid                          69

    100% Virtual                                                      61

    100% Hybrid                                                       2

    Combination 100% In Person and 100% Hybrid                        1


Note: Data is as of 5/11/2021 as reported by school systems. School systems reported one mode
of instruction (from the options above) per school. Offerings were not collected - only the mode
of instruction currently in use was reported. School systems that did not report modes of
instruction are not included in these counts.


Grade Level In Person Count Hybrid Count Virtual Count

Pre-K              27349            843               2875

K                  45877            1593              6597

1                  46118            1601              8222

2                  44175            1545              8268


                                                                                                     65
 3              42987                1661              8313

 4              42520                1661              8883

 5              40799                2987              9557

 6              39624                4914              11067

 7              38473                5964              12425

 8              37466                6905              12521

 9              34890                9887              13366

 10             31397                8833              14190

 11             27989                8139              13973

 12             25890                7705              12716


Note: Data is as of 5/11/2021 as reported by school systems. School systems reported student
counts in aggregate for each of the three modes of instruction provided above. Offerings were not
collected - only aggregate counts of mode of instruction currently in use by grade were reported.
School systems that did not report modes of instruction by grade are not included in these counts.


 To the extent data are available, please complete the above table for 1) all schools in the State,
 and 2) separately for each instructional level (e.g., pre-kindergarten/elementary schools, middle
 schools, high schools).
 Table 2
 In the most recent time period available, what was the enrollment and mode of instruction for the
 schools in your State?
 Add or change rows as needed

The Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) has total enrollment data within the table below.
LDOE is collecting the remote or online-only data, both remote/online and in-person instruction,
and full-time in-person instruction in the 2021-2022 school year.
Add or change rows as needed
 Number of students                               Total enrollment

 Students from low-income families                481,767

 White, not Hispanic                              289,691


                                                                                                      66
Black or African American, not Hispanic             282,287

Hispanic, of any race                               57,769

Asian, not Hispanic                                 10,806

American Indian or Alaskan Native, not Hispanic     4,000

Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, not Hispanic   548

Two or more races, not Hispanic                     20,366

Race/Ethnicity information not available            N/A

English learners                                    27,005

Children with disabilities                          84,472

Students experiencing homelessness                  11,336

Children and youth in foster care                   3,115

Migratory students                                  10,954




                                                              67
68
Appendix B: Reporting Language Included in the Grant Award Notification (“GAN”)
As described in the Grant Award Notification (“GAN”), the SEA will comply with, and ensure
that its LEAs comply with, all reporting requirements at such time and in such manner and
containing such information as the Secretary may reasonably require, including on matters such
as:
       How the State is developing strategies and implementing public health protocols
        including, to the greatest extent practicable, policies and plans in line with the CDC
        guidance related to mitigating COVID-19 in schools;
       Overall plans and policies related to State support for return to in-person instruction and
        maximizing in-person instruction time, including how funds will support a return to and
        maximize in-person instruction time, and advance equity and inclusivity in participation
        in in-person instruction;
       Data on each school’s mode of instruction (fully in-person, hybrid, and fully remote) and
        conditions;
       SEA and LEA uses of funds to meet students’ social, emotional, and academic needs,
        including through summer enrichment programming and other evidence-based
        interventions, and how they advance equity for underserved students;
       SEA and LEA uses of funds to sustain and support access to early childhood education
        programs;
       Impacts and outcomes (disaggregated by student subgroup) through use of ARP ESSER
        funding (e.g., quantitative and qualitative results of ARP ESSER funding, including on
        personnel, student learning, and budgeting at the school and district level);
       Student data (disaggregated by student subgroup) related to how the COVID-19
        pandemic has affected instruction and learning;
       Requirements under the Federal Financial Accountability Transparency Act (“FFATA”);
        and
       Additional reporting requirements as may be necessary to ensure accountability and
        transparency of ARP ESSER funds.




                                                                                                  69
Appendix C: Assurances
By signing this document, the SEA assures all of the following:

      The SEA will conduct all its operations so that no person shall be excluded from
       participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subject to discrimination under the ARP
       ESSER program or activity based on race, color, national origin, which includes a
       person’s limited English proficiency or English learner status and a person’s actual or
       perceived shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics; sex; age; or disability. These non-
       discrimination obligations arise under Federal civil rights laws, including but not limited
       to Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of
       1972, section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Age Discrimination Act of
       1975. In addition, the SEA must comply with all regulations, guidelines, and standards
       issued by the Department under any of these statutes;
      The SEA will comply with all ARP Act and other ARP ESSER requirements and all
       requirements of its Grant Award Notification, including but not limited to:
           o Complying with the maintenance of effort provision in section 2004(a)(1) of the
               ARP Act, absent a waiver by the Secretary pursuant to section 2004(a)(2) of the
               ARP Act; and
           o Complying with the maintenance of equity provisions in section 2004(b) of the
               ARP Act, and ensuring its LEAs comply with the maintenance of equity provision
               in section 2004(c) of the ARP Act (please note that the Department will provide
               additional guidance on maintenance of equity shortly);
      The SEA will allocate ARP ESSER funds to LEAs in an expedited and timely manner
       and, to the extent practicable, not later than 60 days after the SEA receives ARP ESSER
       funds (i.e., 60 days from the date the SEA receives each portion of its ARP ESSER
       funds). An SEA that is not able to allocate such funds within 60 days because it is not
       practicable (e.g., because of pre-existing State board approval requirements) will provide
       an explanation to the Department within 30 days of receiving each portion of its ARP
       ESSER funds (submitted via email to your Program Officer at [State].OESE@ed.gov
       (e.g., Alabama.OESE@ed.gov)), including a description of specific actions the SEA is
       taking to provide ARP ESSER funds to LEAs in an expedited and timely manner and the
       SEA’s expected timeline for doing so;
      The SEA will implement evidence-based interventions as required under section 2001(f)
       of the ARP Act and ensure its LEAs implement evidence-based interventions, as required
       by section 2001(e)(1) of the ARP Act;
      The SEA will address the disproportionate impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on
       underserved students (i.e., students from low-income families, students from racial or
       ethnic groups (e.g., identifying disparities and focusing on underserved student groups by
       race or ethnicity), gender (e.g., identifying disparities and focusing on underserved
       student groups by gender), English learners, children with disabilities, students
       experiencing homelessness, children and youth in foster care, and migratory students), as
       required under section 2001(f) of the ARP Act, and ensure its LEAs address the
       disproportionate impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on underserved students (i.e.,
       students from low-income families, students from racial or ethnic groups, gender, English
       learners, children with disabilities, students experiencing homelessness, children and

                                                                                                70
    youth in foster care, and migratory students), as required by section 2001(e)(1) of the
    ARP Act; and
   The SEA will provide to the Department: (1) the URL(s) where the public can readily
    find data on school operating status and (2) the URL(s) for the SEA and/or LEA websites
    where the public can find the LEA plans for a) the safe return to in-person instruction and
    continuity of services required under section 2001(i) of the ARP Act, and b) use of ARP
    ESSER funds. SEAs should consider ensuring a standardized URL format in all cases
    (e.g., xxx.gov/COVIDplan).




                                                                                             71
Appendix D
                                               OMB Control No. 1894-0005 (Exp. 06/30/2023)
                                  NOTICE TO ALL APPLICANTS
The purpose of this enclosure is to inform you        access to, and participation in, its Federally-
about a new provision in the Department of            assisted program for students, teachers, and
Educations General Education Provisions               other program beneficiaries with special
Act ("GEPA") that applies to applicants for           needs. This provision allows applicants
new grant awards under Department                     discretion in developing the required
programs. This provision is Section 427 of            description. The statute highlights six types
GEPA, enacted as part of the Improving                of barriers that can impede equitable access
America's Schools Act of 1994 (Public Law             or participation: gender, race, national origin,
(P.L.) 103-382).                                      color, disability, or age. Based on local
                                                      circumstances, you should determine
  To Whom Does This Provision Apply?                  whether these or other barriers may prevent
                                                      your students, teachers, etc. from such access
Section 427 of GEPA affects applicants for
                                                      to, or participation in, the Federally-funded
new grant awards under this program. ALL
                                                      project or activity. The description in your
APPLICANTS FOR NEW AWARDS
                                                      application of steps to be taken to overcome
MUST INCLUDE INFORMATION IN
                                                      these barriers need not be lengthy; you may
THEIR APPLICATIONS TO ADDRESS
                                                      provide a clear and succinct description of
THIS NEW PROVISION IN ORDER TO
                                                      how you plan to address those barriers that
RECEIVE FUNDING UNDER THIS
                                                      are applicable to your circumstances. In
PROGRAM.
                                                      addition, the information may be provided in
(If this program is a State-formula grant             a single narrative, or, if appropriate, may be
program, a State needs to provide this                discussed in connection with related topics in
description only for projects or activities that      the application.
it carries out with funds reserved for State-
                                                      Section 427 is not intended to duplicate the
level uses. In addition, local school districts
                                                      requirements of civil rights statutes, but
or other eligible applicants that apply to the
                                                      rather to ensure that, in designing their
State for funding need to provide this
                                                      projects, applicants for Federal funds address
description in their applications to the State
                                                      equity concerns that may affect the ability of
for funding. The State would be responsible
                                                      certain potential beneficiaries to fully
for ensuring that the school district or other
                                                      participate in the project and to achieve high
local entity has submitted a sufficient section
                                                      standards. Consistent           with     program
427 statement as described below.)
                                                      requirements and its approved application, an
   What Does This Provision Require?                  applicant may use the Federal funds awarded
                                                      to it to eliminate barriers it identifies.
Section 427 requires each applicant for funds
(other than an individual person) to include in
its application a description of the steps the
applicant proposes to take to ensure equitable


                                                                                                    72
What are Examples of How an Applicant
 Might Satisfy the Requirement of This
               Provision?
The following examples may help illustrate
how an applicant may comply with Section
427.
   (1) An applicant that proposes to carry
   out an adult literacy project serving,
   among others, adults with limited English
   proficiency, might describe in its
   application how it intends to distribute a
   brochure about the proposed project to
   such potential participants in their native
   language.
   (2) An applicant that proposes to develop
   instructional materials for classroom use
   might describe how it will make the
   materials available on audio tape or in
   braille for students who are blind.
   (3) An applicant that proposes to carry
   out a model science program for
   secondary students and is concerned that
   girls may be less likely than boys to enroll
   in the course, might indicate how it
   intends to conduct "outreach" efforts to
   girls, to encourage their enrollment.
   (4) An applicant that proposes a project to
   increase school safety might describe the
   special efforts it will take to address
   concerns of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and
   transgender students, and efforts to reach
   out to and involve the families of LGBT
   students.
We recognize that many applicants may
already be implementing effective steps to
ensure equity of access and participation in
their grant programs, and we appreciate your
cooperation     in    responding   to    the
requirements of this provision.

      The Louisiana Department of Education is currently taking several steps to provide equitable
      access to high quality programs and instruction to all students. LDOE will comply with all
      provisions of Section 427 of the Improving America’s Schools Act.




                                                                                               73
                    Estimated Burden Statement for GEPA Requirements
According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, no persons are required to respond to a
collection of information unless such collection displays a valid OMB control number. Public
reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 3 hours per
response, including time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources,
gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of
information. The obligation to respond to this collection is required to obtain or retain
benefit (Public Law 103-382). Send comments regarding the burden estimate or any other
aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to the
U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Ave., SW, Washington, DC 20210-4537 or
email ICDocketMgr@ed.gov and reference the OMB Control Number 1894-0005.




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