Unpacking the Federal Response to COVID-19 in Education

The coronavirus crisis is creating unprecedented challenges and exacerbating longstanding inequities in education. In response to the pandemic, Congress passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, which provides more than $2 trillion in spending, including more than $30 billion to support K-12 and higher education, as well as early childhood education. 

What is the latest on this funding and what does it mean for state, local and school leaders? What additional federal support may be coming and how does it relate to making progress on improving equity?

This webinar by The Wallace Foundation and EducationCounsel provides an overview of the CARES Act and the latest information on implementation, as we try to look ahead toward potential additional federal action focused on recovery and reform. Key topics include:  

1. Explaining key provisions of the CARES Act related to education programs, including funding streams and waivers provided by the law
2. Providing the latest updates on CARES Act implementation and issues – by the federal government and in states
3. Identifying key actions for district and school leaders to maximize their available federal funding – now and over time
4. Looking ahead to possible further federal action to support recovery and reform, including when it may happen and what it may include.

The featured speakers in the webinar are:

Kenneth Austin, General Counsel, The Wallace Foundation (moderator)
Scott Palmer, Managing Partner and Co-Founder, Education Counsel
Sean Worley, Senior Policy Associate, Education Counsel

​Download PDF of Slide Deck