debraabritt, Author at Edunomics Lab

A Guide for SEA-led Resource Allocation Reviews

debraabritt2023-05-01T19:04:24+00:00

Resource allocation reviews (RARs) in districts that serve low-performing schools offer a new opportunity to examine the connection between resource allocation and academic outcomes. We've created guidance documents, templates, and tips to help SEAs prepare for and conduct RARs.

A Guide for SEA-led Resource Allocation Reviewsdebraabritt2023-05-01T19:04:24+00:00

Articles & Publications Presentations & Meetings Webinars

30-Min Webinar: Make it or break it! This spring’s district budget choices matter tremendously for the years ahead.

debraabritt2023-04-05T18:58:29+00:00

Never before have district leaders faced such competing priorities: spend down relief dollars in ways that bring value for students, while also bracing for budget gaps unlike any in history. In this webinar we share what we're seeing in district balance sheets, and outline key issues for this spring's budget discussions.

30-Min Webinar: Make it or break it! This spring’s district budget choices matter tremendously for the years ahead.debraabritt2023-04-05T18:58:29+00:00

Webinars

The Massive ESSER Experiment: Here’s what we’re learning.

debraabritt2023-04-06T17:31:59+00:00

With 18 months to go before ESSER ends, Katherine Silberstein and Marguerite Roza take stock of how school districts have spent their funds so far, at Education Next.

The Massive ESSER Experiment: Here’s what we’re learning.debraabritt2023-04-06T17:31:59+00:00

Articles & Publications Opinion

Districts face deep financial pain in the next two years. Decisions made this spring will determine how it all plays out.

debraabritt2023-03-17T00:09:14+00:00

Marguerite Roza suggests keeping an eye on six critical issues during this spring's district budget discussions, as decisions made there will determine what happens on teacher layoffs, school closings, program cuts, and more.

Districts face deep financial pain in the next two years. Decisions made this spring will determine how it all plays out.debraabritt2023-03-17T00:09:14+00:00

Articles & Publications Opinion

The Stakes Are Only Getting Higher For Pandemic School Aid Spending

debraabritt2023-02-25T18:16:11+00:00

Higher spending in the final months of ESSER makes for deeper cuts come the 2024-25 school year, writes Marguerite Roza in Forbes. Meanwhile, students are still far behind where they should be.

The Stakes Are Only Getting Higher For Pandemic School Aid Spendingdebraabritt2023-02-25T18:16:11+00:00

Articles & Publications Opinion

Federal Data: Schools Have Been Adding Teachers Even As They Serve Fewer Students

debraabritt2023-02-25T18:16:12+00:00

For schools to improve their services and respond to student needs, it’s important to be precise about the exact staffing challenges they face, writes Chad Aldeman at The 74.

Federal Data: Schools Have Been Adding Teachers Even As They Serve Fewer Studentsdebraabritt2023-02-25T18:16:12+00:00

Articles & Publications Opinion

Let’s Pay Parents to Help With Learning Recovery

debraabritt2023-02-25T18:16:13+00:00

Some school districts are flush with cash, but can’t find enough people to fill their open roles. In this Education Week commentary Chad Aldeman asks: what if schools engage families to help make headway on student recovery efforts?

Let’s Pay Parents to Help With Learning Recoverydebraabritt2023-02-25T18:16:13+00:00

Articles & Publications Opinion

30-Min Webinar: Is it too late for districts to redirect ESSER commitments to tackle learning gaps?

debraabritt2023-02-25T18:16:14+00:00

The school year had already started when test scores emerged showing deep gaps in learning. Is it too late for districts to adjust their ESSER commitments to boost recovery efforts? In this webinar we share our latest look at ESSER spending and suggest ways that districts can redirect, and in some cases refocus, their federal relief funds to respond to emerging data on what students need most.

30-Min Webinar: Is it too late for districts to redirect ESSER commitments to tackle learning gaps?debraabritt2023-02-25T18:16:14+00:00

Webinars

Time to Change the District Budget Dance

debraabritt2023-02-25T18:16:15+00:00

Getting maximum value from available dollars is imperative, and may require some changes to the traditional budget process, writes Marguerite Roza in School Business Affairs Magazine.

Time to Change the District Budget Dancedebraabritt2023-02-25T18:16:15+00:00

Articles & Publications Opinion

Why Are Fewer People Becoming Teachers?

debraabritt2023-02-25T18:16:15+00:00

What caused the decline in teacher-preparation enrollments and completions? Until we diagnose the problem accurately, we won’t be able to devise solutions to fix it, writes Chad Aldeman in Education Next.

Why Are Fewer People Becoming Teachers?debraabritt2023-02-25T18:16:15+00:00

Articles & Publications Opinion

Public Education Missed the Data Revolution. It’s Time to Catch Up

debraabritt2023-02-25T18:16:16+00:00

Data-free schooling means the system can’t learn as it goes and improve on what it does. It means students aren’t getting the full value from the nation’s investment in public schooling, write Marguerite Roza and Chad Aldeman. What can be done to chip away at this data desert?

Public Education Missed the Data Revolution. It’s Time to Catch Updebraabritt2023-02-25T18:16:16+00:00

Articles & Publications Opinion

On a Per-Student Basis, School Staffing Levels Are Hitting All-Time Highs

debraabritt2023-02-25T18:16:17+00:00

Schools in 46 states effectively lowered their teacher-student ratios by continuing to hire while enrollment has dropped, writes Chad Aldeman at The 74.

On a Per-Student Basis, School Staffing Levels Are Hitting All-Time Highsdebraabritt2023-02-25T18:16:17+00:00

Articles & Publications Opinion

Financial Innovations During COVID Show Schools Can Be Nimble When They Have To

debraabritt2023-02-25T18:16:18+00:00

When districts break out of deeply ingrained expenditure habits, it's a big deal. Roza & Silberstein share four financial practices that emerged during the pandemic that we hope will last.

Financial Innovations During COVID Show Schools Can Be Nimble When They Have Todebraabritt2023-02-25T18:16:18+00:00

Articles & Publications Opinion

4 Ways State Leaders Can Lower Teacher Pension Costs

debraabritt2023-02-25T18:16:18+00:00

State and district leaders could simultaneously reduce retirement costs and improve benefits for teachers, writes Chad Aldeman.

4 Ways State Leaders Can Lower Teacher Pension Costsdebraabritt2023-02-25T18:16:18+00:00

Articles & Publications Opinion

What Goes Wrong When Some School Board Members Don’t Understand District Finances?

debraabritt2023-02-25T18:16:19+00:00

A lack of school board financial expertise is especially problematic as members wrestle with the pressures of enrollment declines, inflation, and the temporary nature of federal relief funds, writes Marguerite Roza in Forbes.

What Goes Wrong When Some School Board Members Don’t Understand District Finances?debraabritt2023-02-25T18:16:19+00:00

Articles & Publications Opinion

30-Min Webinar: The financial forecast is in! School district budgets are headed for a wild ride.

debraabritt2023-02-25T18:16:20+00:00

School district budgets are about to be hit by a powerful wave of financial pressures. In this webinar we walk through a mix of factors, explain how - and when - they're likely to hit district budgets, and discuss how district and state leaders can make smart decisions now to prepare.

30-Min Webinar: The financial forecast is in! School district budgets are headed for a wild ride.debraabritt2023-02-25T18:16:20+00:00

Webinars

ESSER is fueling one-size-fits-all strategies. Let’s use data to deliver more targeted efforts.

debraabritt2023-02-25T18:16:21+00:00

The pandemic left schools with mammoth challenges. Using data to zero in on problem hotspots makes tackling them much more manageable. That should happen now, write Marguerite Roza and Ellie Roza, while federal relief money is still on the table.

ESSER is fueling one-size-fits-all strategies. Let’s use data to deliver more targeted efforts.debraabritt2023-02-25T18:16:21+00:00

Articles & Publications

New Learning Loss Calculator Estimates COVID Slide, Costs of Catching Kids Up, in 8,000 School Districts

debraabritt2023-02-25T18:16:22+00:00

The Edunomics Lab team used the results from new research to build a calculator tool that estimates lost learning time in more than 8,000 school districts and what it will cost to get students back on track. In this commentary published by The 74, the authors urge district leaders to take stock of where their students are, and invest federal relief dollars now in ways that work for students.

New Learning Loss Calculator Estimates COVID Slide, Costs of Catching Kids Up, in 8,000 School Districtsdebraabritt2023-02-25T18:16:22+00:00

Articles & Publications Opinion

Opinion: The N.Y. Legislature’s big class size mistake

debraabritt2023-02-25T18:16:23+00:00

In this New York Daily News op ed, Chad Aldeman argues that across-the-board class size caps in New York City may not benefit all students and will limit other spending that might be more effective, for example on extracurriculars or counselors or higher salaries for teachers.

Opinion: The N.Y. Legislature’s big class size mistakedebraabritt2023-02-25T18:16:23+00:00

Articles & Publications Opinion

What Are Districts Using Their Federal Relief Money for? How Fast Are They Spending It? How Much Is Left? New Interactive Database Has Answers

debraabritt2023-02-25T18:16:24+00:00

Because Congress directed federal relief funds to flow through states, districts file for reimbursement as the funds go out the door. In an analysis published by The 74, the Edunomics Lab team shares early results of tracking the actual spending data, district by district.

What Are Districts Using Their Federal Relief Money for? How Fast Are They Spending It? How Much Is Left? New Interactive Database Has Answersdebraabritt2023-02-25T18:16:24+00:00

Articles & Publications Opinion

Inflation Will Put Districts in a Pickle

debraabritt2023-02-25T18:16:25+00:00

With contract negotiations pending and federal relief funds complicating the labor market, how can school districts respond to rising inflation pressures? In this Education Next commentary, Marguerite Roza suggests options to help mitigate long-term fiscal impacts.

Inflation Will Put Districts in a Pickledebraabritt2023-02-25T18:16:25+00:00

Articles & Publications Opinion

ESSER Spending: Connecting Investments and Outcomes

debraabritt2023-02-25T18:17:33+00:00

In this National Comprehensive Center webinar, Edunomics Lab shared an “investment tool” to help SEAs and LEAs assess their ESSER III investments and finalize spending plans to do the most for students.

ESSER Spending: Connecting Investments and Outcomesdebraabritt2023-02-25T18:17:33+00:00

Articles & Publications

Responding to a Tight Teacher Labor Market

debraabritt2023-02-25T18:17:34+00:00

In this article in School Business Affairs Magazine, the authors outline the types of innovative compensation strategies some districts are using to attract and retain talent in response to a tight labor market.

Responding to a Tight Teacher Labor Marketdebraabritt2023-02-25T18:17:34+00:00

Articles & Publications Opinion

Opinion: Pause HISD’s plan to centralize school funding

debraabritt2023-02-25T18:17:35+00:00

In this Houston Chronicle op ed, Jessica Swanson and Marguerite Roza urge the Houston school board to take the time to ensure a full public vetting of the superintendent's proposal to centralize school funding.

Opinion: Pause HISD’s plan to centralize school fundingdebraabritt2023-02-25T18:17:35+00:00

Articles & Publications Opinion

A year ago, school districts got a windfall of pandemic aid. How’s that going?

debraabritt2023-02-25T18:17:36+00:00

In this Brookings Chalkboard blog, Marguerite Roza and Katherine Silberstein look at the magnitude of federal relief fund spending and conclude that districts need to up the pace at which money goes out the door each month.

A year ago, school districts got a windfall of pandemic aid. How’s that going?debraabritt2023-02-25T18:17:36+00:00

Articles & Publications Opinion

Universities aren’t teaching the finance skills that K-12 leaders need

debraabritt2023-02-25T18:17:36+00:00

Marguerite Roza explores the gap in financial training for aspiring K-12 education leaders and suggests ways that higher education can improve its offerings.

Universities aren’t teaching the finance skills that K-12 leaders needdebraabritt2023-02-25T18:17:36+00:00

Articles & Publications Opinion

Talking about ESSER: Ways to Build Community Trust and Keep the Focus on Results for Students

debraabritt2023-02-25T18:17:37+00:00

Laura Anderson and Marguerite Roza map six ways district leaders can communicate about and help make the most of their ESSER investments.

Talking about ESSER: Ways to Build Community Trust and Keep the Focus on Results for Studentsdebraabritt2023-02-25T18:17:37+00:00

Articles & Publications Opinion

Marguerite Roza discusses how school districts should use federal COVID-19 relief funds to improve student outcomes

debraabritt2023-02-25T18:17:38+00:00

In an interview with Jude Schwalbach at Reason Foundation, Marguerite Roza urges leaders to stay laser-focused on the federal relief funds’ true purpose: ameliorating learning loss and getting kids back on track.

Marguerite Roza discusses how school districts should use federal COVID-19 relief funds to improve student outcomesdebraabritt2023-02-25T18:17:38+00:00

Articles & Publications Opinion

Punishment for Making Hard Choices in a Crisis: Federal Prison

debraabritt2023-02-25T18:17:38+00:00

In this Education Next commentary, Marguerite Roza explains why every education leader should care about what happened to Julia Keleher.

Punishment for Making Hard Choices in a Crisis: Federal Prisondebraabritt2023-02-25T18:17:38+00:00

Articles & Publications Opinion

Setting Student Progress as a North Star Would Be a Game Changer

debraabritt2023-02-25T18:17:39+00:00

Shifting the focus from what districts are purchasing with ESSER funds to what progress students are making would be a game changer, writes Marguerite Roza in The 74.

Setting Student Progress as a North Star Would Be a Game Changerdebraabritt2023-02-25T18:17:39+00:00

Articles & Publications Opinion

Do Districts Using Weighted Student Funding Formulas Deliver More Dollars to Low-Income Students?

debraabritt2023-02-25T18:17:40+00:00

This working paper examines how equitably 20 WSF districts distribute dollars to their schools as measured against a cohort of 20 comparable districts that use a traditional, centralized staffing model.

Do Districts Using Weighted Student Funding Formulas Deliver More Dollars to Low-Income Students?debraabritt2023-02-25T18:17:40+00:00

Articles & Publications

Leading Thoughtful Conversations on Resource Equity Using School-By-School Spending Data

debraabritt2023-02-25T18:17:40+00:00

This resource guides leaders in using data visualizations to foster thoughtful conversations with different stakeholder groups about financial strategy and management, equity and using dollars to do the most for students.

Leading Thoughtful Conversations on Resource Equity Using School-By-School Spending Datadebraabritt2023-02-25T18:17:40+00:00

Articles & Publications

Building Financial Leadership To Do More for Students: Lessons from a Landscape Analysis of Education Finance Curriculum in Higher Ed

debraabritt2023-02-25T18:17:41+00:00

This landscape analysis of current leading university education finance offerings finds that curricula lean more toward theory versus application and hands-on financial skill-building for future district and school leaders.

Building Financial Leadership To Do More for Students: Lessons from a Landscape Analysis of Education Finance Curriculum in Higher Eddebraabritt2023-02-25T18:17:41+00:00

There Is No ‘Big Quit’ in K-12 Education. But Schools Have Specific Labor Challenges That Need Targeted Solutions

debraabritt2023-02-25T18:17:42+00:00

There is no 'Big Quit' in K-12 education. But schools have specific labor challenges that need targeted solutions, writes Chad Aldeman in The 74.

There Is No ‘Big Quit’ in K-12 Education. But Schools Have Specific Labor Challenges That Need Targeted Solutionsdebraabritt2023-02-25T18:17:42+00:00

Articles & Publications Opinion

Focus On Student Outcomes, Not How Federal Funds Are Spent

debraabritt2023-02-25T18:17:42+00:00

Congress attached few strings to federal relief funds and will have to trust school districts to spend the money wisely. Chad Aldeman writes in Forbes that the Feds could now help clarify what the money was for by focusing on the student outcomes that matter most.

Focus On Student Outcomes, Not How Federal Funds Are Spentdebraabritt2023-02-25T18:17:42+00:00

Articles & Publications Opinion

Ed Finance-Related Datasets: Key Features and Limitations

debraabritt2023-02-25T18:17:43+00:00

A list of datasets commonly used in education research and practice focused primarily on finance-related data.

Ed Finance-Related Datasets: Key Features and Limitationsdebraabritt2023-02-25T18:17:43+00:00

Tools & Infographics

30-Min Webinar: Will We Ever Know How ESSER Is Being Spent?

debraabritt2023-02-25T18:17:44+00:00

In this webinar we look at how federal relief money is being tracked and what we're learning as a result.

30-Min Webinar: Will We Ever Know How ESSER Is Being Spent?debraabritt2023-02-25T18:17:44+00:00

Webinars

How COVID-19 Ushered in a Wave of Promising Teacher Pay Reforms

debraabritt2023-02-25T18:17:44+00:00

This brief outlines the types of teacher pay innovations popping up in the midst of the pandemic, explains why they matter, and highlights some of the districts trying them. It remains to be seen whether some of these innovations may live on beyond the pandemic if district leaders find them effective.

How COVID-19 Ushered in a Wave of Promising Teacher Pay Reformsdebraabritt2023-02-25T18:17:44+00:00

Articles & Publications

5 Mistakes to Avoid When Spending COVID-Relief Funds

debraabritt2023-02-25T18:17:45+00:00

With $190 billion in federal relief funds going to schools, Marguerite Roza shares likely spending mistakes districts will make and some prescriptions for how to prevent them.

5 Mistakes to Avoid When Spending COVID-Relief Fundsdebraabritt2023-02-25T18:17:45+00:00

Articles & Publications Opinion

An Idea For This Moment: Districts Can Pay Families To Help Get Students And Schools Back On Track

debraabritt2023-02-25T18:17:46+00:00

Sharing a portion of federal relief funds with families offers school districts a chance to re-engage students and parents and sends a message that they are valued partners in solving problems that directly affect them, writes Marguerite Roza in Forbes.

An Idea For This Moment: Districts Can Pay Families To Help Get Students And Schools Back On Trackdebraabritt2023-02-25T18:17:46+00:00

Articles & Publications Opinion

Ed Finance Guru Marguerite Roza on How Schools Can Best Spend Covid Aid

debraabritt2023-02-25T18:17:46+00:00

In an interview with Rick Hess, Marguerite Roza shares her take on how school district leaders can spend COVID-19 aid wisely and well.

Ed Finance Guru Marguerite Roza on How Schools Can Best Spend Covid Aiddebraabritt2023-02-25T18:17:46+00:00

Articles & Publications Opinion

The scarcity mindset that plagues education news

debraabritt2023-02-25T18:17:47+00:00

Education finance is a messy topic for journalists, and this last year has made it especially hard to neatly summarize the issues. Chad Aldeman cautions that reporters who focus exclusively on questions of scarcity may perpetuate a false narrative and miss the biggest education finance story of the last decade: How are district leaders spending their new financial windfalls, and what effect is it having on students?

The scarcity mindset that plagues education newsdebraabritt2023-02-25T18:17:47+00:00

Articles & Publications Opinion

Decrease in Student Enrollment: Forcing Tough Decisions

debraabritt2023-02-25T18:17:48+00:00

While the infusion of federal relief aid has temporarily protected most school districts from the fiscal impact of enrollment losses, this article in School Business Affairs magazine highlights why it's important to proactively plan now for how to maintain services once those supplemental funds are gone.

Decrease in Student Enrollment: Forcing Tough Decisionsdebraabritt2023-02-25T18:17:48+00:00

Articles & Publications Opinion

NAEP scores are down. Funding is up. Wait, wut?

debraabritt2023-02-25T18:17:49+00:00

NAEP scores are going down or flat. People have different takes on why. In this Eduwonk blog, Marguerite Roza takes a look at the question of money.

NAEP scores are down. Funding is up. Wait, wut?debraabritt2023-02-25T18:17:49+00:00

Articles & Publications

Existing Federal Provisions Can – If Given Appropriate Attention – Advance Within-District Financial Equity

debraabritt2023-02-25T18:17:49+00:00

Four existing federal provisions have potential, if made a priority, to work together to foster within-district financial equity, write Marguerite Roza and Hannah Jarmolowski.

Existing Federal Provisions Can – If Given Appropriate Attention – Advance Within-District Financial Equitydebraabritt2023-02-25T18:17:49+00:00

Articles & Publications Opinion Presentations & Meetings

There’s a fiscal cliff coming, and some districts appear hell-bent on making it worse

debraabritt2023-02-25T18:17:51+00:00

Districts are right to worry about a fiscal cliff when federal relief aid runs out, cautions Marguerite Roza, but leaders have options beyond handwringing.

There’s a fiscal cliff coming, and some districts appear hell-bent on making it worsedebraabritt2023-02-25T18:17:51+00:00

Articles & Publications

From Paying Parents to Transport Their Kids to School to Calling Out the National Guard — Innovating in the Face of a Bus Driver Shortage

debraabritt2023-02-25T18:19:08+00:00

How districts react to unusual labor challenges like the bus driver shortage may tell us whether they can adapt to meet the moment and which, if any, will consider adopting innovations common in industries outside of education.

From Paying Parents to Transport Their Kids to School to Calling Out the National Guard — Innovating in the Face of a Bus Driver Shortagedebraabritt2023-02-25T18:19:08+00:00

Articles & Publications Opinion

Districts Like San Diego Could Be Locking Themselves Into Painful Cuts Down the Road

debraabritt2023-02-25T18:19:09+00:00

Rather than making long-term commitments that can lead to financial stress down the road, Chad Aldeman suggests there are other ways for districts to both raise pay and build capacity.

Districts Like San Diego Could Be Locking Themselves Into Painful Cuts Down the Roaddebraabritt2023-02-25T18:19:09+00:00

Articles & Publications Opinion

Maintenance of Equity: A New Provision with Big Implications for District Budgeting

debraabritt2023-02-25T18:19:10+00:00

Chad Aldeman and Marguerite Roza explain how an expansive interpretation of a new federal provision could have unintended consequences.

Maintenance of Equity: A New Provision with Big Implications for District Budgetingdebraabritt2023-02-25T18:19:10+00:00

Articles & Publications Opinion

Wise Spending of Your Federal Relief Funds

debraabritt2023-02-25T18:19:12+00:00

As school districts decide how to spend their flexible federal relief funding, Marguerite Roza and Chad Aldeman offer five key questions to help ensure they make the most of it for students.

Wise Spending of Your Federal Relief Fundsdebraabritt2023-02-25T18:19:12+00:00

Articles & Publications

5 Ways Principals Can Make Federal Relief Money Matter More For Their Students

debraabritt2023-02-25T18:19:12+00:00

Marguerite Roza and Laura Anderson map five ways principals can help make the most of the American Rescue Plan dollars, in a blog published by the National Association of Elementary School Principals.

5 Ways Principals Can Make Federal Relief Money Matter More For Their Studentsdebraabritt2023-02-25T18:19:12+00:00

Articles & Publications Opinion

Communication Template for Principals on Use of Federal Relief Funds

debraabritt2023-02-25T18:19:13+00:00

Based on messaging research on how district staff, principals, teachers, and parents engage with and react to information about school finance, this template will help principals engage their community in a way that cultivates trust and helps make the most of the federal relief dollars.

Communication Template for Principals on Use of Federal Relief Fundsdebraabritt2023-02-25T18:19:13+00:00

Tools & Infographics

Will the American Rescue Plan’s ‘Meaningful Consultation’ Requirement Usher in Community Participation in School Budgets?

debraabritt2023-02-25T18:19:14+00:00

In Forbes, Marguerite Roza writes that the federal requirement for “meaningful consultation” on the use of ARP funds sounds like a call for participatory budgeting, and wonders whether it could prompt a new level of civic engagement in school spending.

Will the American Rescue Plan’s ‘Meaningful Consultation’ Requirement Usher in Community Participation in School Budgets?debraabritt2023-02-25T18:19:14+00:00

Articles & Publications Opinion

Congress Provided Billions To Schools. Will Districts Spend It Creatively?

debraabritt2023-02-25T18:19:14+00:00

In this Forbes commentary, Chad Aldeman explains how the American Recovery Plan differs from past federal relief efforts for schools, and what that means for state and district leaders looking to make these one-time dollars count.

Congress Provided Billions To Schools. Will Districts Spend It Creatively?debraabritt2023-02-25T18:19:14+00:00

Articles & Publications Opinion

Smart ways to cover the coming ‘year of ed finance’

debraabritt2023-02-25T18:19:15+00:00

Marguerite Roza offers six tips for reporters on covering how school districts choose to spend $122 billion in flexible American Rescue Plan funds, the biggest onetime federal payout to schools ever.

Smart ways to cover the coming ‘year of ed finance’debraabritt2023-02-25T18:19:15+00:00

Articles & Publications Opinion

Early Analysis of State ARP Plans

debraabritt2023-02-25T18:19:16+00:00

Using a financial lens, the Edunomics Lab team offers an early analysis of state education agency plans for using ARP funds.

Early Analysis of State ARP Plansdebraabritt2023-02-25T18:19:16+00:00

Webinars

Let Schools, Not District Offices, Decide How to Spend Some Federal Aid

debraabritt2023-02-25T18:19:17+00:00

In this Education Next commentary, Marguerite Roza and Jessica Swanson suggest that districts give a portion of federal relief dollars directly to schools to decide how best to spend on behalf of their students.

Let Schools, Not District Offices, Decide How to Spend Some Federal Aiddebraabritt2023-02-25T18:19:17+00:00

Articles & Publications Opinion

Teacher Dissatisfaction May Be High, But So Are Retention Rates

debraabritt2023-02-25T18:19:17+00:00

Across Washington state, public schools retained a higher percentage of teachers last year than they do in normal years. That's important information for school district leaders as they decide how to spend the windfall of federal relief funds headed their way.

Teacher Dissatisfaction May Be High, But So Are Retention Ratesdebraabritt2023-02-25T18:19:17+00:00

Articles & Publications Opinion

Billions of Federal Funds Are Coming to Schools. How Should They Spend Them?

debraabritt2023-02-25T18:19:18+00:00

Adding staff has been the main “big bet” in public education for decades. With new federal relief aid heading to schools, will district leaders meet the moment with new and different ideas for what students need now?

Billions of Federal Funds Are Coming to Schools. How Should They Spend Them?debraabritt2023-02-25T18:19:18+00:00

Articles & Publications Opinion

30-Min Webinar: Federal Funds Are Flowing! What We’re Finding

debraabritt2023-02-25T18:19:19+00:00

In this webinar, we take the pulse on school districts' early ESSER spending plans to share some of the patterns we're seeing.

30-Min Webinar: Federal Funds Are Flowing! What We’re Findingdebraabritt2023-02-25T18:19:19+00:00

Webinars

By Paying Stipends to Schools’ Teaching Staff, Districts Can Add Learning Time Without Breaking the Bank

debraabritt2023-02-25T18:19:20+00:00

In this commentary at The 74, Chad Aldeman shows how offering current teachers stipends to take on more hours could provide students with additional learning time without locking districts into long-term financial obligations.

By Paying Stipends to Schools’ Teaching Staff, Districts Can Add Learning Time Without Breaking the Bankdebraabritt2023-02-25T18:19:20+00:00

Articles & Publications Opinion

Best- and worst-case scenarios for how school stimulus dollars will be spent

debraabritt2023-02-25T18:19:20+00:00

Will an unprecedented federal infusion of money lead to an unprecedented recovery effort? In this Thomas B. Fordham Institute blog, Chad Aldeman considers the range of possibilities.

Best- and worst-case scenarios for how school stimulus dollars will be spentdebraabritt2023-02-25T18:19:20+00:00

Articles & Publications

With federal relief dollars on the way, districts face big decisions

debraabritt2023-02-25T18:19:21+00:00

In this Education Next commentary, Marguerite Roza and Chad Aldeman suggest that it's a good time for leaders to employ the classic "would you rather" test to help explore spending tradeoffs and think through the cost and value of competing investments.

With federal relief dollars on the way, districts face big decisionsdebraabritt2023-02-25T18:19:21+00:00

Articles & Publications Opinion

Desired Features of a State Funding System

debraabritt2023-02-25T18:19:22+00:00

This decision tree describes the desired features of a state education funding formula and walks policymakers through key decisions and considerations around balancing efficiency, equity and trade-offs in particular contexts.

Desired Features of a State Funding Systemdebraabritt2023-02-25T18:19:22+00:00

Articles & Publications Tools & Infographics

A way to ease student loan debt without sticking taxpayers with the bill: How about a trade?

debraabritt2023-02-25T18:19:22+00:00

In this Forbes commentary, Marguerite Roza proposes a way for the federal government to provide student debt relief while putting SS/Medicare back on a financially sustainable path.

A way to ease student loan debt without sticking taxpayers with the bill: How about a trade?debraabritt2023-02-25T18:19:22+00:00

Articles & Publications Opinion

30-Min Webinar: Teacher Labor Market Trends and What They Mean For District Budgets

debraabritt2023-02-25T18:19:23+00:00

In this webinar, we share what we're learning from the data on teacher turnover and discuss how the current fiscal conditions should inform staffing and salaries as districts navigate budget and hiring season.

30-Min Webinar: Teacher Labor Market Trends and What They Mean For District Budgetsdebraabritt2023-02-25T18:19:23+00:00

Webinars

Remote or in Person? Underspending or Running Deficits? What School Reopening Decisions Mean for District Budgets

debraabritt2023-02-25T18:19:24+00:00

An Edunomics Lab analysis finds that while many districts are struggling financially, those that have remained mostly or entirely virtual have actually been able to save money. Some are even on pace to run surpluses this year.

Remote or in Person? Underspending or Running Deficits? What School Reopening Decisions Mean for District Budgetsdebraabritt2023-02-25T18:19:24+00:00

Articles & Publications Opinion

30-Min Webinar: Open Or Remote? What It Means For School District Budgets

debraabritt2023-02-25T18:19:24+00:00

In this webinar we explore how district spending varies depending on whether schools are remote or in-person (is the financial focus on remediation? or on reopening?), and look at what new federal relief dollars could mean for district finances.

30-Min Webinar: Open Or Remote? What It Means For School District Budgetsdebraabritt2023-02-25T18:19:24+00:00

Webinars

During the pandemic, lost education jobs aren’t what they seem

debraabritt2023-02-25T18:19:25+00:00

In this Brookings Chalkboard blog, Chad Aldeman digs into BLS data to find that recent public education job losses stem from a slowdown in hiring, not layoffs or a surge in worker turnover.

During the pandemic, lost education jobs aren’t what they seemdebraabritt2023-02-25T18:19:25+00:00

Articles & Publications Opinion

Proceed with caution: With enrollment drops, states are looking to hold district budgets harmless

debraabritt2023-02-25T18:19:26+00:00

In this brief, Hannah Jarmolowski and Marguerite Roza outline what states need to weigh when it comes to hold harmless provisions.

Proceed with caution: With enrollment drops, states are looking to hold district budgets harmlessdebraabritt2023-02-25T18:19:26+00:00

Articles & Publications

Lessons from Spanish Flu — Babies Born in 1919 Had Worse Educational, Life Outcomes Than Those Born Just Before or After. Could That Happen With COVID-19?

debraabritt2023-02-25T18:19:26+00:00

Chad Aldeman shares an analysis of the life trajectories of babies born during the Spanish Flu, and possible implications for the economic impacts of COVID-19.

Lessons from Spanish Flu — Babies Born in 1919 Had Worse Educational, Life Outcomes Than Those Born Just Before or After. Could That Happen With COVID-19?debraabritt2023-02-25T18:19:26+00:00

Articles & Publications Opinion

School Spending Data: A New National Data Archive

debraabritt2023-02-25T18:19:27+00:00

This paper introduces a new national data archive that will capture year-over-year school-by-school spending figures reported by each state and enable easier cost-benefit analysis and new research on equity, innovation, and productivity at the school level.

School Spending Data: A New National Data Archivedebraabritt2023-02-25T18:19:27+00:00

Articles & Publications

30-Min Webinar: Impacts of Enrollment Shifts and Learning Loss on District Finances

debraabritt2023-02-25T18:19:28+00:00

In this webinar we look at the implications of enrollment losses and state revenue declines for school district budget decisions, including hold harmless policies that protect districts from losing state funds. We also consider different district investment options to address learning loss with new federal funds.

30-Min Webinar: Impacts of Enrollment Shifts and Learning Loss on District Financesdebraabritt2023-02-25T18:19:28+00:00

Webinars

30-Min Webinar: The New Federal Aid Package

debraabritt2023-02-25T18:19:28+00:00

In this webinar we answer early questions about the new federal relief funds for education and share the latest financial updates and what they mean for state and district leaders in the coming months.

30-Min Webinar: The New Federal Aid Packagedebraabritt2023-02-25T18:19:28+00:00

Webinars

Financial Leadership: Meeting This Moment

debraabritt2023-02-25T18:20:43+00:00

This article in School Business Affairs magazine illuminates the critical need to develop district leaders' strategic finance skills.

Financial Leadership: Meeting This Momentdebraabritt2023-02-25T18:20:43+00:00

Articles & Publications Opinion

Variation Is the Norm: A Landscape Analysis of Weighted Student Funding Implementation

debraabritt2023-02-25T18:20:45+00:00

This cross‐district comparison of 19 districts finds commonly cited reasons for adopting weighted student funding (equity, transparency, and school‐level spending flexibility). However, there is no standard WSF formula and districts are implementing it quite differently.

Variation Is the Norm: A Landscape Analysis of Weighted Student Funding Implementationdebraabritt2023-02-25T18:20:45+00:00

Articles & Publications

How Federal Education Aid Can Tackle The K-Shaped Learning Recovery: Let’s start with $3000 Per Disengaged Student.

debraabritt2023-02-25T18:20:46+00:00

In this op-ed, Marguerite Roza proposes a separate, flexible sum targeted at helping students for whom pandemic schooling isn't working.

How Federal Education Aid Can Tackle The K-Shaped Learning Recovery: Let’s start with $3000 Per Disengaged Student.debraabritt2023-02-25T18:20:46+00:00

Articles & Publications Opinion

Lessons Learned: Weighted Student Funding

debraabritt2023-02-25T18:20:48+00:00

This brief summarizes findings from a three-year, U.S. Department of Education-funded research study analyzing the use of weighted student funding (WSF) at the district and state level.

Lessons Learned: Weighted Student Fundingdebraabritt2023-02-25T18:20:48+00:00

Articles & Publications

Taking Stock of Principals’ Role in Weighted Student Funding Districts

debraabritt2023-02-25T18:20:50+00:00

In this brief, based upon a 2017-18 survey of 639 principals in 14 school districts implementing weighted student funding, we find that principals are actively engaged in the budget process and utilize their flexibilities, but often do not come into their role with the financial leadership training to carry out those tasks.

Taking Stock of Principals’ Role in Weighted Student Funding Districtsdebraabritt2023-02-25T18:20:50+00:00

Articles & Publications

ED Surprises SEAs with New Data Release

debraabritt2023-02-25T18:20:50+00:00

In this blog, Marguerite Roza discusses efforts to make new school-by-school spending data easier to find, interpret, and use.

ED Surprises SEAs with New Data Releasedebraabritt2023-02-25T18:20:50+00:00

Articles & Publications Opinion

A Moment of (Early) Truth: Taking Stock of School-by-School Spending Data

debraabritt2023-02-25T18:20:52+00:00

This brief offers first-cut answers to early concerns and newly emerging questions about new state reporting of per-pupil spending data.

A Moment of (Early) Truth: Taking Stock of School-by-School Spending Datadebraabritt2023-02-25T18:20:52+00:00

Articles & Publications

30-Min Webinar: Updated Financials, and State and District Responses

debraabritt2023-02-25T18:20:54+00:00

As shortfalls in state budgets take shape, the financial outlook for public education is changing rapidly. In this webinar we share the latest implications for district finances and staffing, and a round-up of how states and districts across the country are responding.

30-Min Webinar: Updated Financials, and State and District Responsesdebraabritt2023-02-25T18:20:54+00:00

Webinars

How the coronavirus shutdown will affect school district revenues

debraabritt2023-02-25T18:21:01+00:00

In this Brookings Chalkboard blog, Marguerite Roza discusses what a larger state role in education funding means for districts during an economic downturn.

How the coronavirus shutdown will affect school district revenuesdebraabritt2023-02-25T18:21:01+00:00

Articles & Publications Opinion

30-Min Webinar: Projections, Stimulus, and Typical District Actions

debraabritt2023-02-25T18:21:02+00:00

What will the financial turmoil will mean for public education? In this webinar we share what we are learning about the economic outlook, CARES Act, other stimulus efforts, and what states and districts might consider as they make financial plans for the coming weeks and year.

30-Min Webinar: Projections, Stimulus, and Typical District Actionsdebraabritt2023-02-25T18:21:02+00:00

Webinars

30-Min Webinar: What Will the Financial Turmoil Mean for Public Education?

debraabritt2023-02-25T18:21:02+00:00

In response to numerous inquiries on how school systems will be affected by the economic turmoil, this short interactive webinar shares what we are learning about the financial outlook, and what states and districts might consider as they make financial plans for the coming weeks and year.

30-Min Webinar: What Will the Financial Turmoil Mean for Public Education?debraabritt2023-02-25T18:21:02+00:00

Webinars

How States Can Put Students at the Center of Their School Funding Formulas

debraabritt2023-02-25T18:15:24+00:00

In this Hunt Institute "Making Sense of NC School Funding" blog, Marguerite Roza provides a national perspective on how states approach school funding.

How States Can Put Students at the Center of Their School Funding Formulasdebraabritt2023-02-25T18:15:24+00:00

Articles & Publications Opinion

The Big Bet on Adding Staff to Improve Schools Is Breaking the Bank

debraabritt2023-02-25T18:21:03+00:00

By going all-in on staffing, we’ve crowded out other potential investments that can positively impact student learning. In this paper, Marguerite Roza writes that competing strategies should be viewed through the lens of which can do the most for students with the limited dollars at hand.

The Big Bet on Adding Staff to Improve Schools Is Breaking the Bankdebraabritt2023-02-25T18:21:03+00:00

Articles & Publications

Edunomics Lab against the tide: Yes, eliminate CRDC finance elements

debraabritt2023-02-25T17:29:05+00:00

When the U.S. Department of Education proposed significant changes to the Civil Rights Data Collection, we broke with many of our peer organizations to write in support of eliminating the school finance portion.

Edunomics Lab against the tide: Yes, eliminate CRDC finance elementsdebraabritt2023-02-25T17:29:05+00:00

Articles & Publications Opinion

One Reason Millennials Might Say “OK Boomer” This Holiday Season

debraabritt2023-02-25T17:29:06+00:00

Past generations racked up billions in teacher pension debt and younger generations are now expected to pay for it. This blog shows how a multi-generational discussion of that topic might play out.

One Reason Millennials Might Say “OK Boomer” This Holiday Seasondebraabritt2023-02-25T17:29:06+00:00

Articles & Publications Opinion

Chicago Teachers Nearing Retirement Paid a Big Price in Striking

debraabritt2023-02-25T17:29:07+00:00

Chicago's senior teachers got hit with a double whammy. As we discuss in this blog, for those at the top of the pay scale retiring in the next four years, the strike meant lost wages and a decrease in future pension payments.

Chicago Teachers Nearing Retirement Paid a Big Price in Strikingdebraabritt2023-02-25T17:29:07+00:00

Articles & Publications Opinion

Leaders Ignored Teacher Pension Debt. Now There’s Less Money for Teacher Salaries and Students

debraabritt2023-02-25T18:12:57+00:00

This brief quantifies, in per pupil and per teacher terms, the magnitude of the crowd-out that pension debt creates for six states: CA, IL, LA, SC, TX, and VT. The goal is to help education leaders grasp the relationship between their pension debt bills and their aspirations for spending on schooling inputs, including teacher salaries.

Leaders Ignored Teacher Pension Debt. Now There’s Less Money for Teacher Salaries and Studentsdebraabritt2023-02-25T18:12:57+00:00

Articles & Publications

Chicago’s Teachers Union Agreed to Give Spending Control to Principals. Now, the Union Is Striking to Take It Away

debraabritt2023-02-25T18:12:59+00:00

Chicago teacher contract negotiations stalled over who controls staffing decisions in schools. In this commentary, Marguerite Roza explains why principals should be entrusted to make the spending decisions that best serve their students.

Chicago’s Teachers Union Agreed to Give Spending Control to Principals. Now, the Union Is Striking to Take It Awaydebraabritt2023-02-25T18:12:59+00:00

Articles & Publications Opinion

The “Would You Rather?” Test

debraabritt2023-02-25T18:13:00+00:00

Education spending always involves choices, and smart choices require understanding value for the dollar. This paper uses the "would you rather" exercise to explore tradeoffs in school spending and think through the value of various cost-equivalent investments.

The “Would You Rather?” Testdebraabritt2023-02-25T18:13:00+00:00

Articles & Publications

Funding for Students’ Sake: How to Stop Financing Tomorrow’s Schools Based on Yesterday’s Priorities

debraabritt2023-02-25T18:13:01+00:00

Student-based allocation (also known as weighted student funding) provides the most equitable, efficient, and flexible path toward increased productivity. This brief explains why it is a good idea to allocate resources on the basis of students, and measures several states' progress toward doing so.

Funding for Students’ Sake: How to Stop Financing Tomorrow’s Schools Based on Yesterday’s Prioritiesdebraabritt2023-02-25T18:13:01+00:00

Articles & Publications

A Way to Get School Finances Back Under Control

debraabritt2023-02-25T18:13:03+00:00

This commentary lays out why it may be time for states to establish agencies modeled on the federal Government Accountability Office (GAO) to certify school district obligations before they take effect and push districts into financial crisis.

A Way to Get School Finances Back Under Controldebraabritt2023-02-25T18:13:03+00:00

Articles & Publications Opinion

Training School Leaders to Spend Wisely

debraabritt2023-02-25T18:13:03+00:00

This article in Education Next shines a light on the pressing need to better support district and school leaders in their work on the spending side of the equation.

Training School Leaders to Spend Wiselydebraabritt2023-02-25T18:13:03+00:00

Articles & Publications Opinion

Understanding school finance is one thing. Being effective in communicating about it is another skill entirely

debraabritt2023-02-25T18:13:04+00:00

This article provides tips for school, district, and state leaders to communicate effectively about school finance issues—whether the topic is a state funding formula, a local tax levy, teacher salaries, or spending on athletics—and build much-needed trust and understanding in the process.

Understanding school finance is one thing. Being effective in communicating about it is another skill entirelydebraabritt2023-02-25T18:13:04+00:00

Articles & Publications

L.A. District Is Asking for a $500 Million Parcel Tax. In Return, Let the Schools Decide How to Spend Their New Funds

debraabritt2023-02-25T18:13:05+00:00

In this commentary The 74, Marguerite Roza and Anthony Drew note that many of the country’s largest school districts have shifted to a decentralized funding model, allocating funds to schools based on student needs, and boosting equity and transparency in the process. They urge LAUSD leaders to follow suit.

L.A. District Is Asking for a $500 Million Parcel Tax. In Return, Let the Schools Decide How to Spend Their New Fundsdebraabritt2023-02-25T18:13:05+00:00

Articles & Publications Opinion

Weighted Student Funding Is On The Rise. Here’s What We Are Learning

debraabritt2023-02-25T18:13:05+00:00

In this blog, Marguerite Roza discusses initial findings from our IES-funded research study that seeks to document the range of WSF formulas and detail how they are being implemented in school systems around the nation.

Weighted Student Funding Is On The Rise. Here’s What We Are Learningdebraabritt2023-02-25T18:13:05+00:00

Articles & Publications

DeVos Proposed $50 Million for Districts to Decentralize Federal Money, to Put Schools in the Driver’s Seat. It’s a Smart Idea

debraabritt2023-02-25T18:13:07+00:00

In this commentary in The 74, Marguerite Roza urges legislators to consider a proposed pilot program to give school leaders and staff a say in how federal resources are used in their schools

DeVos Proposed $50 Million for Districts to Decentralize Federal Money, to Put Schools in the Driver’s Seat. It’s a Smart Ideadebraabritt2023-02-25T18:13:07+00:00

Articles & Publications Opinion

A Checklist to Guide Data-Visualization Decisions

debraabritt2023-02-25T18:13:11+00:00

This checklist will help SEAs determine what they hope to accomplish with their financial transparency reporting and which data elements to include in order to answer a range of critical questions.

A Checklist to Guide Data-Visualization Decisionsdebraabritt2023-02-25T18:13:11+00:00

Articles & Publications

School-level spending: Financial transparency coming to every community in 2018

debraabritt2023-02-25T18:13:22+00:00

At the Education Writers Association National Seminar on June 2nd, hosted at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., Marguerite Roza presented on new school spending reports emerging under the federal ESSA financial transparency requirement.

School-level spending: Financial transparency coming to every community in 2018debraabritt2023-02-25T18:13:22+00:00

Presentations & Meetings

The Productivity Opportunity: A Role-Playing Activity to Engage Leaders in Financial and Outcomes Data

debraabritt2023-02-25T18:13:23+00:00

This document offers a set of exercises designed to help education leaders better understand the relationship between spending and student performance—and position them to use emerging data to explore opportunities for productivity in their day-to-day work improving education.

The Productivity Opportunity: A Role-Playing Activity to Engage Leaders in Financial and Outcomes Datadebraabritt2023-02-25T18:13:23+00:00

Articles & Publications

The Productivity of Rural Schools

debraabritt2023-02-25T18:11:16+00:00

Remote rural districts are often more expensive and yield lower student outcomes than urban and suburban districts. Yet some rural districts generate higher-than-expected learning results without proportionately higher spending. Based on interviews with leaders in 30 rural remote districts, Marguerite Roza identifies six factors that make some districts “productivity superstars."

The Productivity of Rural Schoolsdebraabritt2023-02-25T18:11:16+00:00

Articles & Publications

K-12 Financial Landscape

Student-Based Allocation

School-by-School Spending

About debraabritt