STATEHOUSE (Jan. 27, 2021) – The House Ways and Means Committee voted unanimously in support of legislation co-authored by State Rep. Karen Engleman (R-Georgetown) that would establish the Student Learning Recovery Grant Program to help young Hoosiers who are experiencing learning loss due to the pandemic.
According to Engleman, students transitioning back and forth between e-learning and the classroom are likely to experience some form of learning loss. Engleman's proposal would create a $150 million grant program to provide individuals or organizations with resources to help students who have fallen behind in class, scored below academic standards or are at risk of falling behind.
"We always want to help our students reach their full potential," Engleman said. "This grant program could help close learning gaps caused by this pandemic by covering costs for resources, so organizations can establish supplemental learning programs. While this last year has not been ideal, we must continue doing all we can to keep our children safe, and on track for the next grade level and beyond."
Engleman said many students experience some form of learning loss after summer break, but most are typically able to relearn lessons quickly. However, a recent study completed by Stanford's Center for Research on Education Outcomes, shows the average Indiana student lost 129 days of reading knowledge and 209 days of math knowledge as a result of COVID-19 disruptions.
Program criteria for grants would be determined by the Indiana Department of Education, along with the State Board of Education. Engleman said applying organizations, which could include local schools, colleges or universities, community or philanthropic organizations, and prospective, current and retired educators, would be required to submit a plan detailing the programs that would supplement a student's regular coursework. The DOE would be responsible for overseeing the grant program.
House Bill 1008 now moves to the full Indiana House of Representatives for further consideration. Visit iga.in.gov for more information.
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State Rep. Karen Engleman (R-Georgetown) represents House District 70,
which includes most of Harrison County, along with portions of Clark and Floyd counties.
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