January 2021 -- Federal legislators passed a second round of education stimulus, which provides which provides an additional $82 billion in education stabilization funds, approximately $54 billion of which is specifically dedicated for K-12. This new bill follows the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) from March 2020 that reserved $30 billion for education stabilization funds, $13.5 billion of which were specifically dedicated for K-12.  

Here are the four potential ways EdTech-related uses for K-12 monies were outlines in the CARES Act. The new education stimulus also allows stabilization funds to be flexibly spent on essentially the same allowable uses.

• Purchasing educational technology that aids in regular and substantive interaction between students and educators.
• Planning and coordinating long-term closures, including providing technology for online learning.
• Planning and implementing online learning during the summer months.
• Supporting provisions found in major education laws, including the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Title IV-A of ESSA and Part D of IDEA permits federal funds toward professional learning in effective edtech use. 

With such a wide range of allowable uses, MSET and ISTE encourage states and districts to continue taking a multi-pronged approach — involving prioritized investments into professional learning, infrastructure and content — when leveraging federal funds.