Policy
From research and experience we know what makes schools strong. All schools need quality teaching, capable leadership, up-to-date facilities, and a welcoming environment for the families and communities they serve. All children need high quality pre-K, and for those children who need them, dental, health and counseling services are also vital.
With these resources and “Programs that Work,” all kids—not just some—can have the genuine Opportunity To Learn.
Unfortunately, state and federal policymakers have not yet chosen to ensure access to a quality education for all, especially low-income and minority children.
Funding Systems
Fair and sufficient funding is essential for quality education. Most state funding systems underfund schools and districts educating low-income children, and some state systems simply underfund most of their schools. Expanding the excellent public education available in many communities into low-wealth urban and rural communities requires fairer funding and the school resources that funding can buy.
- Overview (Coming Soon)
- Improving Funding Systems: Six States Find Ways to Move Forward
Cost Studies
Research reports show the costs and benefits of programs proven to raise graduation rates and other achievement, and school funding experts often estimate the cost of quality education for an entire state. To-date, however, these studies have ignored the costs of correcting deficits that have accumulated from long-term neglect. Cost study critics also call for better data and additional research to improve cost study methodologies.
- Overview
- Guide to Cost Study History and Methodologies (Coming Soon)
- Example of legislation authorizing state-level cost study - HB185, Pennsylvania (2006)
- State Cost Study Examples: Arkansas, Kansas, New Mexico, Pennsylvania, New Jersey Preschool
Other Critical Issues
Additional issues critical to improving education for underserved children, include (additional links to come):
RESOURCES
Please visit the Resources page to learn more.