First Book, a nonprofit social enterprise dedicated to educational equity as a path out of poverty, today released the findings of a nationwide survey of 2,004 educators serving kids in need that examines their spending priorities for American Rescue Plan (ARP) funding. The report provides valuable insights from frontline educators supporting children's immediate and long-term needs. These educators resoundingly cite books and learning materials, student mental health support resources, and additional staff as leading priorities for ARP funding. The study, conducted by First Book Research & Insights, also highlights that a significant majority (75%) have not yet had the opportunity to provide input on current budget planning as the funding begins to reach states, districts, and schools.
"Educators have faced incalculable obstacles throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and have adapted to these obstacles with grace and an unrelenting commitment to our children," says Kyle Zimmer, President, CEO and Co-founder of First Book. "Our classroom leaders are the backbone of the American education system, and their priorities reflect the changing needs of the students they serve. As school districts and communities evaluate how they will use the influx of ARP funding, this valuable input should be at the heart of spending decisions."
Educators also shared their top priorities. As educators face a new year of challenges and COVID-19 barriers and recovery, their top funding priority is investing in books, with an overwhelming 99 percent of educators prioritizing books for the students they serve in their own classroom or program. Educators report that books act as a simple yet effective tool to address a broad range of students' needs from promoting social-emotional health, to supporting struggling readers and offering stories that reflect diversity.
Educators are also very concerned about the mental health of their students. According to the First Book 2020 COVID-19 survey, 87 percent of educators reported being more concerned about kids experiencing mental/emotional health challenges during the pandemic than they were before the pandemic. This finding is amplified by the fact that only 14 percent feel extremely or very prepared to support children who have experienced trauma over the past year. To address the mental health needs of students, 81 percent of educators believe community partnerships will help, while 68 percent of educators report wanting books & conversation guides to help better equip them to support children experiencing trauma and grief.
One startling finding involves educator out-of-pocket spending. Educators made clear that acquiring books for their students is a top priority – truer this year as educators work to replenish depleted classroom libraries post COVID-19 – but lack of funding has caused more educators to dig into their own pockets to do so. More educators spent over $1,000from their own wallet last year than those spending less than $100 or none at all, and nearly 60 percent of educators spent between $100 and $500. The percentage of educators using their own money to purchase resources is up 20 percent from two First Book surveys performed just a year ago.
Beyond the decisive commitment to restoring classrooms, libraries and home libraries with new books and learning materials, and supporting children and their families with their mental health needs, this report also highlights educators' call for additional staff. The need for more staff ranked third in educators' top areas of need with 59 percent of respondents citi...
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