Tag: ESSER III

Danville tinkers with teacher shortage solution

DANVILLE — As schools throughout Illinois grapple with teacher shortages, Danville is working out the kinks in a grow-your-own teacher program. Danville School District 118 has promised to cover class costs for assistant teachers and other staff who want to go back to school to become teachers. Despite interest from about 20 staff members, just

COVID relief allows Decatur to launch free after-school classes

DECATUR — Decatur Public Schools has long wanted to offer classes before and after school. It took federal COVID-19 relief to make that happen. When DPS tried to launch this optional, extended school day in the past, families had to pay. Now, thanks to COVID relief, it’s free. “Three years ago, this priority bubbled to

A woman gestures with her hands while she talks, in her living room.

Rantoul schools add “office hours” to combat learning loss

RANTOUL — Learning slowed across Illinois when the COVID-19 pandemic began. Now, schools have the money to do something about it – in the form of federal COVID-19 relief. School districts in Rantoul have chosen to use the money to establish teacher “office hours.” “The philosophy is similar to a study hall, if study halls