COVID Resources
Strategic Resource Management in Response to COVID-19 Webinar Series
In recognition of the unprecedented disruption nationwide due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, WestEd announces a timely multi-part webinar series that will present best practices for district leaders to make the best use of available resources during this critical time.
Experts from WestEd will share vital information that will help district leadership teams make informed decisions amid current circumstances, ensuring leaders are poised to continue high-quality educational programming for students and families.
Attendees will receive guidance on budget changes, how to effectively use Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) funding, tips for leveraging education resources, and understanding funding flexibilities.
This series of webinars will help educators manage fiscal resources for this school year, while gearing up for success next year.
Managing Resources Effectively in Response to COVID-19
Date/Time: Tuesday, April 21, 2pm Eastern/11am Pacific
The webinar will:
- Provide an overview of the economic and fiscal impact of COVID-19 on education budgets and of the allowable uses of CARES Act funding.
- Highlight key fiscal considerations for education resources, including ensuring continuity of service and directing funds to those students with the greatest need.
Presenters:
- Jason Willis, Director of Strategy and Performance, WestEd
- Kelsey Krausen, Senior Engagement Manager, WestEd
Resource Planning for Students with Disabilities through the COVID-19 Pandemic: Balancing Legal Obligations and Available Resources to Maintain Student Progress
Date/Time: Tuesday, April 28, 2pm Eastern/11am Pacific
Maintaining the provision of a free and appropriate public education (FAPE) through the COVID-19 pandemic and related school closures has challenged many school systems. Districts are also faced with complex fiscal requirements attached to federal and state funding for special education, including maintenance of effort and excess cost requirements.
This webinar will:
- Provide guidance on how to manage resource identification and allocation to ensure the needs of students with disabilities are appropriately addressed while balancing the need to meet legal requirements.
- Highlight opportunities to maximize resources to improve outcomes for all students, including students with disabilities.
Presenters:
- Jason Willis, Director of Strategy and Performance, WestEd
- Jana Rosborough, Senior Program Associate, Special Education
- Sara Doutre, Senior Program Associate, WestEd
Blending and Braiding Funds to Mitigate the Impact of COVID-19 on the Most Vulnerable Students
Date/Time: Tuesday, May 5, 2pm Eastern/11am Pacific
The students most likely to experience academic slide due to COVID-19 school closures are students who are eligible for services under multiple programs funded by federal Title and IDEA funds and state funds set aside for vulnerable populations. Blending and braiding these and other funding streams is a strategy to more effectively leverage multiple funding streams toward a common goal to supporting students with the greatest need.
The webinar will:
- Define and provide parameters for allowable uses of blending and braiding strategies for multiple federal, state, and local funding streams to support programs or initiatives aimed at mitigating the impact of COVID-19.
- Highlight key opportunities for blending and braiding recovery funding provided under the CARES Act to optimize the use of these funds to support students and close gaps created by COVID-19 school closures.
Presenters:
- Jason Willis, Director of Strategy and Performance, WestEd
- Tia Taylor, Systems Transformation Specialist, WestEd
- Sara Doutre, Senior Program Associate, WestEd
Posted on April 15, 2020