Theories of Action in ARP-ESSER Plans

This project aims to understand the theories of action embedded in the ARP-ESSER proposals submitted by districts. The proposed study has three goals. First, we will identify the strategies proposed across districts for ARP-ESSER Priority Areas 1, 2 & 3 (student learning, student well-being & community and family relations). Second, we will create a meta-theory of action for each of the three priority areas through an examination of the most frequently proposed theories of action and strategies across districts and by education level (elementary and secondary). Finally, through focus groups conducted with district leaders and plan implementers from a demographically diverse sample of districts, we will seek to understand how these theories of action are implemented at the district and school levels. Such knowledge can help to enhance future planning and implementation for the state department of education and its school districts.

Start Date: January 2023
End Date: June 2024

Research Team:

Principal Investigator: Joy Kaufman, Yale University School of Medicine
Alexandra Lamb, University of Connecticut
Jennie Weiner, University of Connecticut
Jacob Werblow, Central Connecticut State University