LOUISVILLE, Ky. — One-third in math, two-thirds in reading. Those are the recovery rates from learning lost in the COVID-19 pandemic at Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS).
At Alex Kennedy Elementary School, Principal Patrick Sitori said early adoption of the new standard English learning curriculum across JCPS—and putting students in front of real teachers—is part of the solution.
"You can be the superintendent, you can be the principal," he said, "but we all know the work happens with the teachers."
From 2020 to 2023, the federal government gave nearly $600 million dollars to JCPS through the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief fund (ESSER). It was spent several ways, mostly on tech like laptops and extra staff for face-to-face learning opportunities.
A few hundred thousand dollars made its way to Kennedy Elementary.
"And every penny was spent on bringing retired teachers in, 4-to-5 days a week, to work with students on interventions and also with enrichment," Sitori said.
The money was meant to help close gaps in learning caused by pandemic school closures. A joint study between Harvard and Stanford found that it's worked in most states.
"It takes incredible resources to make that happen. And so this data clearly indicates that the infusion of funds, the support for students, has made a difference," said Ray Hart, executive director of the Council of the Great City Schools.
Back in 2016, JCPS lagged behind the national average in reading and math comprehension by about one grade level. Now, the 22-23 school year marks the first time in seven years the district is improving in reading and math, specifically looking at scores from 3rd to 8th grade.
JCPS Superintendent Dr. Marty Pollio is encouraged by the rebound, crediting a new direction in the district.
"Which [includes] student assignment, facilities, resourcing our high-poverty schools, summer learning opportunities, technology for students, literacy and numeracy curriculum, which you see being implemented now," he said.
JCPS plans to continue their Backpack League program in the summer even though they've spent all their ESSER funds. Officials said 10,000 students enrolled in the program last year.
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