Yes, on April 9th, the U.S. Department of Education released ED COVID-19 Handbook Volume 2: Roadmap to Reopening Schools Safely and Meeting All Students’ Needs . The Handbook devotes a section to “Addressing Lost Instructional Time” through high-quality tutoring:
“One strategy that districts can also use ARP funds for is tutoring. Because ARP funding is available to be spent through September 2024, districts will be able to hire and retain tutors for the critical time when students will most need assistance. Tutoring can be an effective intervention for a wide range of studentsif implemented in particular ways. High dosage tutoring (i.e., tutoring that is provided consistently by well- trained tutors or educators at least three days per week for at least 30 minutes at a time in groups of five or fewer students), led by a certified teacher or a paraprofessional, and conducted during the school day tends to have the largest impact.22 When scheduling tutoring during the school day, schools should do so in a way that ensures students still receive instruction on core content and have opportunities for enrichment. For example, tutoring could take place during study hall or flexible periods, during independent practice portions of a class, or as a complement to instruction in partnership with the classroom teacher.” (p. 18)
The Handbook also includes the following “Evidence-informed tutoring practices checklist:
In May, 2021, the Department of Education released an FAQ document to clarify allowable uses of funding and describe how these funds may be used to implement strategies. Among other things, this resource explains how funds can be used to support evidence-based tutoring programs.
In August, 2021, the U.S. Department of Education released a report, Strategies for Using American Rescue Plan Funding to Address the Impact of Lost Instructional Time. The report highlights high quality and effective tutoring as a way to address student needs.