future trends
Michael Woods
*Future trends in court decisions and power over educational financing based on present information.
When it comes to financing education, the government contributes more than 500 billion dollars to elementary and secondary schools. Local governments are responsible for contributing around 44% of funding while the federal government is responsible for around 13%. The state’s role in funding education is steadily increasing; a trend that started around the 70’s. The role of the federal government in respect to funding has been minor, however, its stronghold on educational policies are increasing.
The problem with financing education is the disparity in the distribution of funds. These disparities create differences in opportunities in education. In some states, the total contribution of funds from the federal government is less than 5% while in others it is as high as 16%. There are also disparities in state funding as well depending on different rules and procedures of each state. And yet, there are even more disparities amongst local districts.
Since the 80’s there has been litigation seeking equality in education. Dating back to 1989, there have been 26 cases on student funding won by plaintiffs. This has led to a focus on the adequacy of education and more importantly, what constitutes an adequate education. There have been studies done in over 35 states to determine the amount of funds needed to provide students with an appropriate education. The primary focus of these studies is to improve the adequacy and equity of funding. There are also efforts being made to simplify educational funding formulas. Lawmakers are in the process of trying to preserve local control over education because no one knows what’s better for your students more than the people closest to them. As of now, we are a ways off in funding equity, however, with increasing efforts on improving disparities we are on the right path to truly providing all students with
*Future trends in court decisions and power over educational financing based on present information.
When it comes to financing education, the government contributes more than 500 billion dollars to elementary and secondary schools. Local governments are responsible for contributing around 44% of funding while the federal government is responsible for around 13%. The state’s role in funding education is steadily increasing; a trend that started around the 70’s. The role of the federal government in respect to funding has been minor, however, its stronghold on educational policies are increasing.
The problem with financing education is the disparity in the distribution of funds. These disparities create differences in opportunities in education. In some states, the total contribution of funds from the federal government is less than 5% while in others it is as high as 16%. There are also disparities in state funding as well depending on different rules and procedures of each state. And yet, there are even more disparities amongst local districts.
Since the 80’s there has been litigation seeking equality in education. Dating back to 1989, there have been 26 cases on student funding won by plaintiffs. This has led to a focus on the adequacy of education and more importantly, what constitutes an adequate education. There have been studies done in over 35 states to determine the amount of funds needed to provide students with an appropriate education. The primary focus of these studies is to improve the adequacy and equity of funding. There are also efforts being made to simplify educational funding formulas. Lawmakers are in the process of trying to preserve local control over education because no one knows what’s better for your students more than the people closest to them. As of now, we are a ways off in funding equity, however, with increasing efforts on improving disparities we are on the right path to truly providing all students with
References: DFID [Department for International Development] (2010). Learning for all: DFID’s education strategy 2010–2015. London: DFID. Dolan, J., & Ndaruhutse, S. (2011). Save the children UK’s financial flows, programme choices, and the influences of the Rewrite the Future campaign. Background paper prepared for the Education for All