The Indiana House of Representatives recently voted in support of legislation State Rep. Wendy McNamara (R-Evansville) authored that would establish the Student Learning Recovery Grant Program to help combat learning loss children may experience as a result of the pandemic.
McNamara said many students experienced learning loss during the pandemic. The proposal McNamara is working on would create a $150 million grant program to help Hoosier students who have fallen behind in class, scored below academic standards or are at risk of falling behind.
“In a typical year, schools see learning loss in students after summer break, but most are able to relearn that information quickly when they return to the classroom in the fall,” McNamara said. “However, some students have lost 100 to 200 days of learning due to the continuous disruptions from COVID-19. This grant is designed to close these learning gaps, and connect students with tools and resources they need to get back on track.”
According to McNamara, program criteria for grants would be determined by the Indiana Department of Education, along with the State Board of Education. The DOE would be responsible for overseeing the grant program. In order to qualify for a grant, McNamara said organizations would need to submit a detailed plan that would be followed to supplement a student’s regular schoolwork.
Visit iga.in.gov for more information on House Bill 1008. This legislation now moves to the Senate for further consideration.
