The End of ESSER Funds: How Teachers Can Keep Students on Track with Free Resources

As schools across the country face the expiration of ESSER (Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief) funds,teachers and education leaders are bracing for new financial challenges. These federal relief dollars, originally introduced as part of COVID-19 relief efforts, helped schools tackle the unprecedented disruption caused by the pandemic, with a focus on supporting underserved districts. Now, as ESSER funds wind down, schools face the difficult decision of which resources will remain in the budget. Luckily, free online math assessment tools like ASSISTments can support teachers and students during this transition.

The Impact of ESSER Funding on Schools

ESSER funds were crucial for many districts as the additional funding made resources to create more collaborative, tech-enhanced classrooms more accessible. These funds allowed schools to invest in vital hardware, such as Chromebooks, software, and internet connectivity tools like mobile hotspots—ensuring that students could continue learning even during lockdowns. According to a federal report, a staggering 92% of local schools utilized ESSER funding for these kinds of purchases.

However, as the relief dollars dry up, districts are feeling the pinch. Some of the most pressing challenges include:

• Teacher vacancies: Schools may find it difficult to recruit and retain educators due to budget constraints.
• Loss of access to edtech tools: Without the financial cushion provided by ESSER, schools may cut back on important learning platforms.
• Fewer school repairs and improvements: Deferred maintenance may become the norm as districts struggle to prioritize their limited resources.

With these looming budget cuts, teachers are scrambling to find affordable—or even better, free—alternatives that can help their students stay on track academically.

Free Solutions That Can Fill the Gap

For many teachers, finding a solution that doesn’t compromise the quality of education is critical. Parents, too, have grown accustomed to the tech tools that supported learning throughout the pandemic and expect districts to maintain these resources. This puts even more pressure on district tech leaders to balance shrinking budgets with the need to keep students connected to digital learning tools.

This is where ASSISTments comes in. A free platform designed for teachers, ASSISTments helps students succeed in math by turning every assignment into a learning opportunity. Our platform is curriculum-connected and easy to use, making it an ideal tool to bridge the gap left by dwindling budgets. 

With ASSISTments, you can:

• Keep students on track: Give students the practice they need to stay confident and improve their math skills, regardless of budget cuts.
• Create growth opportunities: Turn each math assignment into a moment for growth by providing students with timely feedback and support.
• Maintain high-quality instruction: Don’t let a lack of funding stand in the way of delivering top-tier education.

ASSISTments helps you continue fostering student learning without needing to dip into limited resources.

Don’t Let Budget Cuts Hold Your Students Back

As the deadline for ESSER funding approaches, schools must find ways to adapt. But just because budgets are tight doesn’t mean your students should fall behind. With ASSISTments, teachers can continue offering a high-quality math education that helps students stay on track—all without breaking the bank.

Always free to use, ASSISTments offers a cost-effective solution to keep classrooms equipped with powerful, interactive learning tools. Register here to start supporting your students and ensure they have the resources they need to thrive in math, no matter the budget constraints.

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