All Archives - Edunomics Lab

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

30-Min Webinar: How can districts measure learning loss recovery costs?

Laura Anderson2023-02-25T18:16:21+00:00

In this webinar we share “The Calculator,” a new tool that estimates lost learning time in more than 8,000 school districts and how much a district would need to invest to get students back on track.

30-Min Webinar: How can districts measure learning loss recovery costs?Laura Anderson2023-02-25T18:16:21+00:00

Webinars

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

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

What will MoEquity mean for district budgets?

Laura Anderson2023-02-25T18:19:11+00:00

In this webinar Marguerite Roza and Chad Aldeman discuss the new guidance for the maintenance of equity provision and what it would mean for districts faced with implementing it.

What will MoEquity mean for district budgets?Laura Anderson2023-02-25T18:19:11+00:00

Webinars

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

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

Analysis: California Gives Districts Extra Money for Highest-Needs Students. But It Doesn’t Always Get to the Highest-Needs Schools

jordan2023-02-25T18:20:47+00:00

In this analysis, Katie Silberstein and Marguerite Roza studied whether funds allocated by California's Local Control Funding Formula actually made it to the highest-needs schools.

Analysis: California Gives Districts Extra Money for Highest-Needs Students. But It Doesn’t Always Get to the Highest-Needs Schoolsjordan2023-02-25T18:20:47+00:00

Articles & Publications

Use caution, district leaders: Even in a pandemic, there’s no immunity from financial missteps

jordan2023-02-25T18:20:47+00:00

In this Thomas B. Fordham Institute article, Marguerite Roza warns that district leaders may be at a higher risk for accusations of financial missteps.

Use caution, district leaders: Even in a pandemic, there’s no immunity from financial misstepsjordan2023-02-25T18:20:47+00:00

Articles & Publications

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

Spending patterns, equity and achievement in districts using weighted student funding

Laura Anderson2023-02-25T18:20:49+00:00

Edunomics Lab's findings from a three-year, Institute of Education Sciences study titled "How do Spending Patterns Change with Weighted Student Funding (WSF), and What's Happening to Equity and Achievement, Particularly for Poor and At-Risk Students?"

Spending patterns, equity and achievement in districts using weighted student fundingLaura Anderson2023-02-25T18:20:49+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

When it Comes to School Funds, Hold-Harmless Provisions Aren’t “Harmless”

jordan2023-02-25T18:20:51+00:00

In this Education Next article, Marguerite Roza and Hannah Jarmolowski share how state leaders can address budget shortfalls without making disproportionate cuts to high-poverty districts.

When it Comes to School Funds, Hold-Harmless Provisions Aren’t “Harmless”jordan2023-02-25T18:20:51+00:00

Articles & Publications Opinion

Analysis: Pandemic-Fueled Financial Turbulence Is Hitting School Districts Across the Country. Here’s What to Watch for

jordan2023-02-25T18:20:52+00:00

In this analysis, Marguerite Roza and Katie Silberstein discuss how districts across the country have been making budget decisions in the midst of the pandemic and evolving reopening scenarios.

Analysis: Pandemic-Fueled Financial Turbulence Is Hitting School Districts Across the Country. Here’s What to Watch forjordan2023-02-25T18:20:52+00:00

Articles & Publications

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

Financial uncertainty requires leaders to make tough choices and stay focused on students

jordan2023-02-25T18:20:53+00:00

In this invited commentary for The 74, Marguerite Roza and Katie Silberstein discuss how keeping students at the center of decision-making can help leaders make tough choices amid competing pressures.

Financial uncertainty requires leaders to make tough choices and stay focused on studentsjordan2023-02-25T18:20:53+00:00

Articles & Publications Opinion

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

The financial landscape and what it means for public education

Laura Anderson2023-02-25T18:20:55+00:00

In this series of 30-minute webinars, Marguerite Roza shares what we are learning as the financial outlook for public education evolves and implications for states and districts as they make financial plans for the coming weeks and year.

The financial landscape and what it means for public educationLaura Anderson2023-02-25T18:20:55+00:00

Webinars

Straight Talk In Financially Uncertain Times: How District Leaders Can Communicate About The Messy Financial Landscape Coming Their Way

jordan2023-02-25T18:20:55+00:00

In this guest blog post, Laura Anderson and Marguerite Roza share how district leaders can best communicate financial decisions to their staff and communities in order to build trust.

Straight Talk In Financially Uncertain Times: How District Leaders Can Communicate About The Messy Financial Landscape Coming Their Wayjordan2023-02-25T18:20:55+00:00

Articles & Publications Opinion

How Lawmakers Can Raise Teacher Pay Without Decimating Pension Funds

jordan2023-02-25T18:20:56+00:00

In this op-ed, Marguerite Roza analyzes how making any near-term teacher raises non-pensionable could impact state governments and K-12 teachers and students.

How Lawmakers Can Raise Teacher Pay Without Decimating Pension Fundsjordan2023-02-25T18:20:56+00:00

Articles & Publications Opinion

Could states save money if raises during a recession were designated as non-pensionable?

jordan2023-02-25T18:20:57+00:00

This brief examines how making raises non-pensionable would impact teacher pensions and government pension debt.

Could states save money if raises during a recession were designated as non-pensionable?jordan2023-02-25T18:20:57+00:00

Articles & Publications

Waiting for Congress to Bail Out Schools Is a Risky Game of Chicken. Time for Districts to Come Up With Plan B — and for States to Help

jordan2023-02-25T18:20:58+00:00

In this commentary published by The 74, Marguerite Roza worries that a $200 billion ask for a federal bailout for schools seems to be an incomplete strategy, and argues that districts need to work now on the cost side of the equation as well.

Waiting for Congress to Bail Out Schools Is a Risky Game of Chicken. Time for Districts to Come Up With Plan B — and for States to Helpjordan2023-02-25T18:20:58+00:00

Articles & Publications Opinion

A free college plan that pays for itself

jordan2023-02-25T18:20:58+00:00

In this op ed published by The Hill, Marguerite Roza proposes a way for the federal government to pay for college without boosting federal debt or burdening taxpayers.

A free college plan that pays for itselfjordan2023-02-25T18:20:58+00:00

Articles & Publications Opinion

What Role Should the Federal Government Play in Addressing State and Municipal Pension Debts?

jordan2023-02-25T18:20:59+00:00

In this guest blog post, Marguerite Roza shares how the federal government might address state and municipal pension debt in the midst of budget shortfalls due to COVID-19.

What Role Should the Federal Government Play in Addressing State and Municipal Pension Debts?jordan2023-02-25T18:20:59+00:00

Opinion

New Financial Data Spotlight the District Role in Distributing Dollars Across Schools

jordan2023-02-25T18:21:00+00:00

In this Education Next article, Marguerite Roza and Laura Anderson share what we’re learning from early explorations of the data and the opportunities it provides for education leaders.

New Financial Data Spotlight the District Role in Distributing Dollars Across Schoolsjordan2023-02-25T18:21:00+00:00

Articles & Publications Opinion

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

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

A Guide for SEA-led Resource Allocation Reviews. Appendix 1: Sample Data Report

debraabritt2023-02-25T18:13:00+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. This sample data report is an example of what state leaders can assemble and share with district leaders.

A Guide for SEA-led Resource Allocation Reviews. Appendix 1: Sample Data Reportdebraabritt2023-02-25T18:13:00+00:00

Articles & Publications Presentations & Meetings Webinars

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

Webinar: The Changing Role of Education Finance Leadership

Laura Anderson2023-02-25T18:13:02+00:00

This webinar explores connections and opportunities with ESSA's financial transparency requirement, the new Supplement-not-Supplant requirement for a district “resource allocation methodology” and “resource allocation reviews,” and what each means for states and districts.

Webinar: The Changing Role of Education Finance LeadershipLaura Anderson2023-02-25T18:13:02+00:00

Webinars

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

Webinar: Taking Stock as SEAs Begin Releasing Per-Pupil Spending Data

Laura Anderson2023-02-25T18:13:06+00:00

In this webinar, Marguerite Roza and Katie Hagan examine school-by-school expenditures in states where data are available. They share how leading states are incorporating financial transparency data in school and district report cards and discuss what can be learned from these early adopters.

Webinar: Taking Stock as SEAs Begin Releasing Per-Pupil Spending DataLaura Anderson2023-02-25T18:13:06+00:00

Webinars

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

New Education Department guidance on supplement-not-supplant: Sorry not sorry

Laura Anderson2023-02-25T18:13:08+00:00

In this Brookings Chalkboard blog post, Marguerite Roza discusses new U.S. Department of Education guidance on monitoring the “supplement-not-supplant” (SNS) provision of Title I.

New Education Department guidance on supplement-not-supplant: Sorry not sorryLaura Anderson2023-02-25T18:13:08+00:00

Articles & Publications Opinion

Dear districts: These are the glory days. Are you ready for tomorrow’s financial pain?

Laura Anderson2023-02-25T18:13:09+00:00

In this commentary, Marguerite Roza writes that districts have a chance to strategically prepare for the inevitable economic downturn by reducing recurring costs and resisting more hiring; shifting budget choices to schools, allowing them to protect what matters most; and building trust around money and engaging community in tradeoffs.

Dear districts: These are the glory days. Are you ready for tomorrow’s financial pain?Laura Anderson2023-02-25T18:13:09+00:00

Articles & Publications

Webinar: An Introduction to Student-Based Allocation

Laura Anderson2023-02-25T18:13:09+00:00

Designed for district and community leaders, this webinar shares how student-based allocation (SBA) works, why districts use SBA, what SBA formulas look like, and what steps and resources districts can take and tap to move toward SBA.

Webinar: An Introduction to Student-Based AllocationLaura Anderson2023-02-25T18:13:09+00:00

Webinars

Equipping School Leaders to Spend Wisely

Laura Anderson2023-02-25T18:13:10+00:00

In this article in the National Association of State Boards of Education journal, The Standard, Marguerite Roza writes that financial transparency presents state boards of education with a timely opportunity to turn the tide on local leader training.

Equipping School Leaders to Spend WiselyLaura Anderson2023-02-25T18:13:10+00:00

Articles & Publications

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

Interstate Financial Reporting

Laura Anderson2023-02-25T18:13:12+00:00

Interstate Financial Reporting (IFR) was created by states, for states, to meet the financial data reporting requirement under ESSA—and maximize the value of their efforts. Based on a set of voluntary, minimal reporting criteria, IFR is designed to produce data that have common meaning and can be used to make valid, apples-to-apples comparisons of school-level per-pupil expenditures across states nationwide.

Interstate Financial ReportingLaura Anderson2023-02-25T18:13:12+00:00

Articles & Publications

Taking stock of California’s weighted student funding overhaul: What have districts done with their spending flexibility?

Laura Anderson2023-02-25T18:13:12+00:00

In 2013 California adopted the Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF) to drive more resources to students with higher needs, create more spending flexibility, and let districts decide how to spend substantial new dollars. Our analysis examines financial data from nearly all California school systems to clarify how their spending choices changed in the first three years of the new state funding law.

Taking stock of California’s weighted student funding overhaul: What have districts done with their spending flexibility?Laura Anderson2023-02-25T18:13:12+00:00

Articles & Publications

CA California

Did districts concentrate new state money on highest-needs schools? Answer: Depends on the district.

Laura Anderson2023-02-25T18:13:13+00:00

Our analysis of eight districts takes a first look at whether CA districts did, under LCFF, allocate a larger share of their new funds to their highest-needs schools.

Did districts concentrate new state money on highest-needs schools? Answer: Depends on the district.Laura Anderson2023-02-25T18:13:13+00:00

Articles & Publications

CA

California’s weighted student funding formula: Does it help money matter more?

Laura Anderson2023-02-25T18:13:14+00:00

As California’s LCFF enters Year 5 of implementation, this brief analyzes whether we are seeing an improved relationship between spending and outcomes.

California’s weighted student funding formula: Does it help money matter more?Laura Anderson2023-02-25T18:13:14+00:00

Articles & Publications

CA

Funding Student Types: How states can mine their own data to guide finance policy on high-needs students

Laura Anderson2023-02-25T18:13:15+00:00

To help states design effective funding policies to serve high-needs students, this brief by Marguerite Roza helps states ask the right questions, tap their own data, and analyze funding in relation to student outcomes.

Funding Student Types: How states can mine their own data to guide finance policy on high-needs studentsLaura Anderson2023-02-25T18:13:15+00:00

Articles & Publications

Delaware Nevada Minnesota

Analyzing early impacts of California’s Local Control Funding Formula

Laura Anderson2023-02-25T18:13:15+00:00

In 2013, California adopted the Local Control Funding Formula, shifting control over spending decisions from the state legislature to local school districts and eliminating many state-imposed spending rules. This three-part series analyzes early impacts of the LCFF, one of the nation’s largest weighted student funding (WSF) overhauls to date.

Analyzing early impacts of California’s Local Control Funding FormulaLaura Anderson2023-02-25T18:13:15+00:00

Articles & Publications

California

College credit in high school: Doing the math on costs

Laura Anderson2023-02-25T18:13:16+00:00

Many policymakers see providing college credit in high school as a money saver, but little research has examined that belief. This brief helps fill the gap, investigating in three states the costs of taking college classes in high school compared to attaining credit after high school.

College credit in high school: Doing the math on costsLaura Anderson2023-02-25T18:13:16+00:00

Articles & Publications

Florida Ohio Georgia

Student Based Allocation District Collaborative Meeting

Laura Anderson2023-02-25T18:13:17+00:00

Edunomics Lab hosts a monthly virtual meeting of district finance leaders to share knowledge and solve challenges around student-based allocation practice and collectively produce research that districts need and want. These resources are from an in-person convening of the SBA Network plus other districts interested in learning more.

Student Based Allocation District Collaborative MeetingLaura Anderson2023-02-25T18:13:17+00:00

Presentations & Meetings

Four Approaches to Assigning Costs to Central Levels vs. School Levels When Calculating Per-Pupil Expenditures

Laura Anderson2023-02-25T18:13:18+00:00

With ESSA requiring states to collect and report school-level per-student expenditures, state education agencies are considering setting statewide rules for assigning expenditures to the district or school level. In this brief, we map four approaches states can take and weigh benefits and considerations for each.

Four Approaches to Assigning Costs to Central Levels vs. School Levels When Calculating Per-Pupil ExpendituresLaura Anderson2023-02-25T18:13:18+00:00

Articles & Publications

School Level Finance Survey Converter Tool

Laura Anderson2023-02-25T18:13:19+00:00

This downloadable tool helps states combine data from two existing federal surveys to calculate school-level per-pupil expenditures for all schools and districts in their survey files and meet the new financial transparency requirement under the Every Student Succeeds Act.

School Level Finance Survey Converter ToolLaura Anderson2023-02-25T18:13:19+00:00

Tools & Infographics

Webinar: What does the ESSA financial transparency requirement mean for districts?

Laura Anderson2023-02-25T18:13:20+00:00

This webinar provides an overview of the financial transparency requirement in the Every Student Succeeds Act, highlight lessons learned from states working toward meeting the requirement, and provide a district lens for thinking about the opportunities this new data can provide.

Webinar: What does the ESSA financial transparency requirement mean for districts?Laura Anderson2023-02-25T18:13:20+00:00

Webinars

Financial Transparency & Equity

Laura Anderson2023-02-25T18:13:20+00:00

The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) requires all states to collect and report per-pupil expenditures down to the school level. These four videos may help state education agencies better understand the equity implications of financial transparency as they define and tackle their own financial transparency goals.

Financial Transparency & EquityLaura Anderson2023-02-25T18:13:20+00:00

Presentations & Meetings

Financial Transparency Reporting Requirement: Where to start

Laura Anderson2023-02-25T18:13:21+00:00

In this brief we describe our work with 22 state education agencies to identify data readiness to meet the financial transparency reporting requirement under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) and outline the inventory processes so other states can identify their own next steps to meet the requirement.

Financial Transparency Reporting Requirement: Where to startLaura Anderson2023-02-25T18:13:21+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

With New Data, School Finance Is Coming Out of the Dark Ages

Laura Anderson2023-02-25T18:13:24+00:00

In this blog and podcast, Marguerite Roza explains how a sleeper provision in the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) will serve up a motherlode of new school-level financial data, offering an unprecedented opportunity to be better equipped to tackle some of education’s most pressing issues.

With New Data, School Finance Is Coming Out of the Dark AgesLaura Anderson2023-02-25T18:13:24+00:00

Articles & Publications Opinion

Productivity Improvements Paper Series

Laura Anderson2023-02-25T18:13:24+00:00

These five Rapid Response briefs model the costs of productivity improvements in K-12 education, including changes in staffing ratios, the impact of late-career teacher pay raises on pension debt, and paying the best teachers more to teach more students.

Productivity Improvements Paper SeriesLaura Anderson2023-02-25T18:13:24+00:00

Articles & Publications

The Equity Problem in Teacher Pensions

Laura Anderson2023-02-25T18:13:25+00:00

This brief shows how high-minority schools receive fewer dollars in pension wealth than low-minority schools within the same district, and makes the case for pension dollars to be more transparent and included in discussions around K-12 spending equity.

The Equity Problem in Teacher PensionsLaura Anderson2023-02-25T18:13:25+00:00

Articles & Publications

California Wisconsin Delaware Pennsylvania

New Era of School Finance

Laura Anderson2023-02-25T18:13:26+00:00

In 2016 we convened leading authorities to discuss the complexities of education finance in light of the new Every Student Succeeds Act. Watch Marguerite Roza’s research presentation, US Secretary of Education Arne Duncan’s keynote, and an expert panel discussion of the shifting roles in education finance decisions.

New Era of School FinanceLaura Anderson2023-02-25T18:13:26+00:00

Presentations & Meetings

Are public universities neglecting in-state students?

Laura Anderson2023-02-25T18:11:15+00:00

Marguerite Roza responds to an online “Room for Debate” conversation hosted by the New York Times, arguing that chasing after nonresident students threatens the very nature of public universities as institutions that serve the state.

Are public universities neglecting in-state students?Laura Anderson2023-02-25T18:11:15+00:00

Articles & Publications Opinion

Productivity is sometimes seen as a dirty word in education

Laura Anderson2023-02-25T18:11:15+00:00

This article explores how school systems can improve productivity even when so much of what matters—the human variables and relationships in student learning—can’t be centrally managed and scaled across schools.

Productivity is sometimes seen as a dirty word in educationLaura Anderson2023-02-25T18:11:15+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

Advancing System Productivity Webinar Series

Laura Anderson2023-02-25T18:11:17+00:00

Edunomics Lab, in partnership with Council of Chief State School Officers and the Building State Capacity and Productivity Center, convened a Community of Practice to support a group of leaders in all states interested in developing a state-specific framework and strategy set related to the SEA’s role in increasing productivity. This series of five webinars is designed to help Regional Comprehensive Centers support state education agency (SEA) leaders as they explore how they can better support districts and schools to operate in a more productive way.

Advancing System Productivity Webinar SeriesLaura Anderson2023-02-25T18:11:17+00:00

Webinars

Meeting the ESSA Financial Transparency Reporting Requirement

Laura Anderson2023-02-25T18:11:18+00:00

On February 9, 2017 nearly 100 state and district leaders representing 36 states met in Washington, D.C. to explore the opportunities and work ahead to meet the financial transparency reporting requirement in ESSA. Available presentations are linked.

Meeting the ESSA Financial Transparency Reporting RequirementLaura Anderson2023-02-25T18:11:18+00:00

Presentations & Meetings

The Smart Money: Designing a school budget to get the most for your school dollar

Laura Anderson2023-02-25T18:11:19+00:00

In this hands-on workshop presented at NAIS national conference in March 2017 school leaders dove into the math of school resource allocation. Dr. Roza shared innovative financial strategies and how leaders could apply the concepts to their own school context.

The Smart Money: Designing a school budget to get the most for your school dollarLaura Anderson2023-02-25T18:11:19+00:00

Presentations & Meetings

Highly Productive Rural Districts: What is the Secret Sauce?

Laura Anderson2023-02-25T18:11:21+00:00

In this paper we identify some common themes that makes some remote rural districts “productivity superstars” and describe steps states can take to encourage and support district productivity.

Highly Productive Rural Districts: What is the Secret Sauce?Laura Anderson2023-02-25T18:11:21+00:00

Articles & Publications

Promoting Productivity: Lessons from Rural Schools

Laura Anderson2023-02-25T18:11:22+00:00

In this essay addresses the assumption that rural districts are less productive than their urban or suburban peers by discussing rural districts can “beat the odds” by increasing student results without increasing per-pupil expenditures.

Promoting Productivity: Lessons from Rural SchoolsLaura Anderson2023-02-25T18:11:22+00:00

Articles & Publications

Paying the Best Teachers More to Teach More Students

Laura Anderson2023-02-25T18:11:26+00:00

In this analysis we find how allowing our best teachers to teach more students in lieu of hiring additional staff could offer significant teacher bonuses. Findings are modeled state-by-state.

Paying the Best Teachers More to Teach More StudentsLaura Anderson2023-02-25T18:11:26+00:00

Articles & Publications

Innovation Amid Financial Scarcity: The Opportunity in Rural Schools

Laura Anderson2023-02-25T18:11:27+00:00

In this paper we explore spending and outcomes data of rural schools and highlight policy implications for states seeking improved outcomes for all their districts in the context of limited resources.

Innovation Amid Financial Scarcity: The Opportunity in Rural SchoolsLaura Anderson2023-02-25T18:11:27+00:00

Articles & Publications

The Phantom Menace: Policies that Protect Districts from Declining or Low Enrollments, Drive Up Spending and Inhibit Adaptation

Laura Anderson2023-02-25T18:11:27+00:00

This paper examines the practice of states funding school districts for students who do not attend school there. Aimed at “protecting” districts from enrollment fluctuations, the practice drives up spending and inhibits adaptation.

The Phantom Menace: Policies that Protect Districts from Declining or Low Enrollments, Drive Up Spending and Inhibit AdaptationLaura Anderson2023-02-25T18:11:27+00:00

Articles & Publications

Student Based Allocation 101

Laura Anderson2023-02-25T18:11:28+00:00

This one-page infographic explains what student-based allocation is, how it differs from traditional funding formulas and what its primary benefits are.

Student Based Allocation 101Laura Anderson2023-02-25T18:11:28+00:00

Tools & Infographics

Can decentralization improve Seattle schools?

Laura Anderson2023-02-25T18:11:30+00:00

In this op-ed, we argue that when the district decides what positions to fund in a school—rather than the school being empowered to decide based on its community priorities—it destroys goodwill and trust in the school system.

Can decentralization improve Seattle schools?Laura Anderson2023-02-25T18:11:30+00:00

Opinion

The Real Deal on K-12 Staffing

Laura Anderson2023-02-25T18:11:30+00:00

This analysis finds that staffing ratios across K-12 education have risen precipitously over several decades and, despite the impact of the Great Recession, remain at 2004 levels. A state-by-state comparison reveals large disparities across states.

The Real Deal on K-12 StaffingLaura Anderson2023-02-25T18:11:30+00:00

Articles & Publications

Building SEA Productivity

Laura Anderson2023-02-25T18:11:31+00:00

In this presentation state education chiefs heard about a basic framework for leading the productivity challenge that includes building a productivity data infrastructure, prioritizing flexibility, aligning funds with students, incentivizing innovation, and leading the change.

Building SEA ProductivityLaura Anderson2023-02-25T18:11:31+00:00

Presentations & Meetings

Denver Public Schools: Making More Money Follow Students

Laura Anderson2023-02-25T18:11:32+00:00

This two-page brief outlines how Denver Public Schools has steadily increased the amount of district funds funneled through the student based allocation formula the school system adopted in 2008. In fiscal 2014, the district allocated $3235 million, or approximately 38 percent, of its $865 million budget.

Denver Public Schools: Making More Money Follow StudentsLaura Anderson2023-02-25T18:11:32+00:00

Articles & Publications

What Portion of District Funds Follow Students?

Laura Anderson2023-02-25T18:11:32+00:00

Part of our ongoing study of budgets in systems implementing student based allocation, in this four-page brief we analyze 12 district budgets and find that the systems allocate roughly 24 to 42 percent of their funds through an SBA formula.

What Portion of District Funds Follow Students?Laura Anderson2023-02-25T18:11:32+00:00

Articles & Publications

Boston Public Schools: Weighting What Matters

Laura Anderson2023-02-25T18:11:33+00:00

In this three-page brief, we analyze the share of district dollars Boston Public Schools funneled through its student based allocation formula, adopted in 2012. In fiscal 2014, the district allocated $3235 million, or approximately 38 percent, of its $865 million budget through the formula.

Boston Public Schools: Weighting What MattersLaura Anderson2023-02-25T18:11:33+00:00

Articles & Publications

A State Information System to Support Improvements in Productivity

Laura Anderson2023-02-25T18:11:34+00:00

In this paper, we discuss how states can (and why they should) track and share school-level outcomes relative to school-level spending in their online information systems. Some schools are far more productive than others—getting better student results for less money—yet states are not yet routinely identifying such schools.

A State Information System to Support Improvements in ProductivityLaura Anderson2023-02-25T18:11:34+00:00

Articles & Publications

Funding for Student’s Sake: How to Stop Financing Tomorrow’s Schools Based on Today’s Priorities

Laura Anderson2023-02-25T18:11:34+00:00

Most states make major changes in their allocation models only every two decades or so. In this paper, we explore how states can make the most of their redesign to get better outcomes for the money.

Funding for Student’s Sake: How to Stop Financing Tomorrow’s Schools Based on Today’s PrioritiesLaura Anderson2023-02-25T18:11:34+00:00

Articles & Publications

California New Jersey Pennsylvania New York Delaware

SEA of the Future: Building the Productivity Infrastructure

Laura Anderson2023-02-25T18:11:35+00:00

This publication introduces the “productivity infrastructure" the building blocks for an SEA committed to supporting productivity, innovation, and performance—from the state chief to the classroom.

SEA of the Future: Building the Productivity InfrastructureLaura Anderson2023-02-25T18:11:35+00:00

Articles & Publications

Webinar: Training Principals for Budgeting at the School Level

Laura Anderson2023-02-25T18:11:36+00:00

In this webinar and presentation, we share seven key steps for principals to customize their use of resources based on student outcomes goals and needs. This includes concrete budget strategies and hands-on exercises to help principals understand and weigh cost and tradeoff scenarios.

Webinar: Training Principals for Budgeting at the School LevelLaura Anderson2023-02-25T18:11:36+00:00

Webinars

How much money follows the student in WSF (aka SBA) districts?

Laura Anderson2023-02-25T18:11:36+00:00

In this presentation at the annual Association for Education Finance and Policy conference, we share our findings that the percent of total funds allocated via student based allocation (%SBA) ranges from a low of 23 percent to a high of 45 percent among ten urban school districts studied.

How much money follows the student in WSF (aka SBA) districts?Laura Anderson2023-02-25T18:11:36+00:00

Presentations & Meetings

Rethinking Class Size to Expand Access to Best Teachers and Raise Pay

Laura Anderson2023-02-25T18:11:37+00:00

In this presentation at the annual Association for Education Finance and Policy conference, we share our exploration and cost modeling of cost-neutral options to raise teacher pay and give more students access to the best teachers.

Rethinking Class Size to Expand Access to Best Teachers and Raise PayLaura Anderson2023-02-25T18:11:37+00:00

Presentations & Meetings

Texas

Civic Vitality and Public Education Productivity: The Harbormaster Mayor

Laura Anderson2023-02-25T18:11:38+00:00

In this brief, we argue that mayors, as the person responsible for a municipality’s overall well-being, are uniquely positioned to identify and promote productive school models and advocate for all students, regardless of what type of school they attend.

Civic Vitality and Public Education Productivity: The Harbormaster MayorLaura Anderson2023-02-25T18:11:38+00:00

Articles & Publications

Webinar: Building a State Information System to Support Improvements in Productivity

Laura Anderson2023-02-25T18:11:38+00:00

On February 26, 2016 Marguerite Roza conducted a webinar for state education agency leaders. This webinar explored how SEAs can build an information system designed to drive productivity – what data are needed, how to compile the data into useful resources for leaders at every level of education and how these stakeholders can use the data to drive decision making and advance productivity.

Webinar: Building a State Information System to Support Improvements in ProductivityLaura Anderson2023-02-25T18:11:38+00:00

Webinars

Taking Off the Heat

Laura Anderson2023-02-25T18:08:05+00:00

On January 29, 2014 Marguerite Roza shared risks and rewards that emerge when districts “decentralize” engagement around financial decisions to the school level with Portfolio School District Network members in Houston, TX.

Taking Off the HeatLaura Anderson2023-02-25T18:08:05+00:00

Presentations & Meetings

VisionSBA: K-12 Financial Modeling Tool

Laura Anderson2023-02-25T18:08:07+00:00

VisionSBA provides education leaders with a unique outlook on spending by school level within a district, delivering insight into relative spending across schools adjusted for each school’s actual mix of students. This interactive tool developed by Marguerite Roza and Jim Simpkins answers the question: “How much does each school spend relative to all other schools in this district taking into account its particular mix of students?”

VisionSBA: K-12 Financial Modeling ToolLaura Anderson2023-02-25T18:08:07+00:00

Tools & Infographics

Options for NY State in an Era of Constrained Resources

Laura Anderson2023-02-25T18:08:08+00:00

At a public symposium of the NY Education Reform Commission, Marguerite Roza presented on "Maximizing Resources for Student and School Success."

Options for NY State in an Era of Constrained ResourcesLaura Anderson2023-02-25T18:08:08+00:00

Presentations & Meetings

New York

The SEA of the Future: Prioritizing Productivity

Laura Anderson2023-02-25T18:08:08+00:00

In this volume of The SEA of the Future, Marguerite Roza co-authored two essays examining how state leaders, challenged with having to make decisions on how to use limited resources, are faced with an uneasy zero-sum game: every dollar they put into one program is a dollar not spent in another.

The SEA of the Future: Prioritizing ProductivityLaura Anderson2023-02-25T18:08:08+00:00

Articles & Publications

Teacher Retirement Benefits: Defining a More Active Role for SEAs and Their Chiefs

Laura Anderson2023-02-25T18:08:09+00:00

In this essay from The SEA of the Future Volume 2, Marguerite Roza and Michael Podgursky look in depth at the startling long-term costs of educator pension systems and the counterproductive employment incentives embedded in these systems.

Teacher Retirement Benefits: Defining a More Active Role for SEAs and Their ChiefsLaura Anderson2023-02-25T18:08:09+00:00

Articles & Publications

Leveraging Productivity for Progress: An Imperative for States

Laura Anderson2023-02-25T18:08:10+00:00

In this essay published in The SEA of the Future Volume 2, Marguerite Roza makes the case for why productivity is essential to improving outcomes for students.

Leveraging Productivity for Progress: An Imperative for StatesLaura Anderson2023-02-25T18:08:10+00:00

Articles & Publications

The Case Against High School Sports

Laura Anderson2023-02-25T18:08:11+00:00

In this article published by The Atlantic, author Amanda Ripley draws on Marguerite Roza’s research as she describes the role of high school sports in the American education system, how current resource allocations favor sports over academics, and consequences as American students fall behind in international rankings.

The Case Against High School SportsLaura Anderson2023-02-25T18:08:11+00:00

Articles & Publications

The High Price of Excess Credits

Laura Anderson2023-02-25T18:08:12+00:00

This brief examines the cost of extra credits earned by students in California, Georgia, and New York, and opportunities for state and university leaders to maximize degree attainment with constrained resources.

The High Price of Excess CreditsLaura Anderson2023-02-25T18:08:12+00:00

Articles & Publications

Georgia New York California

More Students, More Degrees, More Dollars

Laura Anderson2023-02-25T18:08:12+00:00

Cuts to state support for higher education have prompted some universities to raise tuition, admit more out-of-state students, and increase enrollment to close budget gaps. This analysis compares these three strategies in public flagship universities, first in terms of the relative magnitude needed to close a gap in state funds, and then in terms of the extent to which they contribute to degree production for students in their state.

More Students, More Degrees, More DollarsLaura Anderson2023-02-25T18:08:12+00:00

Articles & Publications

ALL

Funding Phantom Students

Laura Anderson2023-02-25T18:08:14+00:00

This brief describes a common practice that inhibits both efficiency and productivity: funding students who do not actually attend school in funded districts and how this is often overlooked by state leaders.

Funding Phantom StudentsLaura Anderson2023-02-25T18:08:14+00:00

Articles & Publications

How Current Education Governance Distorts Financial Decisionmaking

Laura Anderson2023-02-25T18:08:14+00:00

In this chapter, Roza assesses the strengths and weaknesses of what remains of the old in education governance, scrutinizes how traditional governance forms are changing, and suggests how governing arrangements might be further altered to produce better educational outcomes for children.

How Current Education Governance Distorts Financial DecisionmakingLaura Anderson2023-02-25T18:08:14+00:00

Articles & Publications

Student-Based Allocation to Enable School Choice

Laura Anderson2023-02-25T18:08:15+00:00

This brief explains the need for student-based allocation to enable student choice and portable funding across schools within districts.

Student-Based Allocation to Enable School ChoiceLaura Anderson2023-02-25T18:08:15+00:00

Articles & Publications

Innovating Toward Sustainability: How Computer Labs Can Enable New Staffing Structures, and New Savings

Laura Anderson2023-02-25T18:08:16+00:00

Using wage and staffing data from states, authors project the financial and staffing implications of one innovative school model (the Rocketship lab rotation) to highlight potential impacts on the schooling workforce and total per-student spending.

Innovating Toward Sustainability: How Computer Labs Can Enable New Staffing Structures, and New SavingsLaura Anderson2023-02-25T18:08:16+00:00

Articles & Publications

Are Residents Losing Their Edge in Public University Admissions? The Case at the University of Washington

Laura Anderson2023-02-25T18:08:17+00:00

This brief examines admissions data at the University of Washington to in order to quantify the effect on admissions standards for residents versus nonresidents, who typically pay higher tuitions.

Are Residents Losing Their Edge in Public University Admissions? The Case at the University of WashingtonLaura Anderson2023-02-25T18:08:17+00:00

Articles & Publications

Washington

What Happens to Teacher Salaries During a Recession?

Laura Anderson2023-02-25T18:08:18+00:00

This study uses data from Seattle Public Schools to explore actual salary changes amidst rapid changes in economic context and the effect of the recession on teacher pay.

What Happens to Teacher Salaries During a Recession?Laura Anderson2023-02-25T18:08:18+00:00

Articles & Publications

The Opportunity Cost of Smaller Classes: A State-By-State Spending Analysis

Laura Anderson2023-02-25T18:08:18+00:00

This brief provides a state-by-state context by computing the dollars at stake in marginally raising the number of students per class.

The Opportunity Cost of Smaller Classes: A State-By-State Spending AnalysisLaura Anderson2023-02-25T18:08:18+00:00

Articles & Publications

All

Q&A on the Chicago Teachers Contract Math

Laura Anderson2023-02-25T18:08:19+00:00

This brief examines the real numbers on the Chicago teachers contract costs.

Q&A on the Chicago Teachers Contract MathLaura Anderson2023-02-25T18:08:19+00:00

Articles & Publications

Chicago Teacher Salaries in the Regional Chicago Context

Laura Anderson2023-02-25T18:08:20+00:00

This brief examines how Chicago teacher salaries compare in regional and national contexts.

Chicago Teacher Salaries in the Regional Chicago ContextLaura Anderson2023-02-25T18:08:20+00:00

Articles & Publications

The Sheepskin Effect and Student Achievement: De-emphasizing the Role of Master’s Degrees in Teacher Compensation

Laura Anderson2023-02-25T18:08:20+00:00

This brief dissects the nation’s sizable investment in master’s bumps as a means of highlighting policy obstacles to a more smartly differentiated compensation approach.

The Sheepskin Effect and Student Achievement: De-emphasizing the Role of Master’s Degrees in Teacher CompensationLaura Anderson2023-02-25T18:08:20+00:00

Articles & Publications

All

Rethinking State Education Finance Toward Greater Productivity

Laura Anderson2023-02-25T18:08:21+00:00

This presentation framed how state legislators might think differently about their investment in education to maximize scarce state dollars and improve student achievement.

Rethinking State Education Finance Toward Greater ProductivityLaura Anderson2023-02-25T18:08:21+00:00

Presentations & Meetings

Stretching the School Dollar: A Brief for State Policymakers

Laura Anderson2023-02-25T18:08:22+00:00

This policy brief lists fifteen concrete ways that states can “stretch the school dollar” in these difficult financial times.

Stretching the School Dollar: A Brief for State PolicymakersLaura Anderson2023-02-25T18:08:22+00:00

Articles & Publications

The Promise of Cafeteria-Style Benefits for Districts and Teachers

Laura Anderson2023-02-25T18:08:23+00:00

While typical school district plans offer a one-size-fits-all package of benefits to employees, cafeteria plans allow employees to customize their benefits within a given cost, an option districts may want to consider.

The Promise of Cafeteria-Style Benefits for Districts and TeachersLaura Anderson2023-02-25T18:08:23+00:00

Articles & Publications

Washington State High Schools Pay Less for Math and Science Teachers than for Teachers in Other Subjects

Laura Anderson2023-02-25T18:08:24+00:00

This paper examines the reasons why math and science teachers struggle to reach the same salaries as others, concluding that the state-wide salary schedule is in part to blame.

Washington State High Schools Pay Less for Math and Science Teachers than for Teachers in Other SubjectsLaura Anderson2023-02-25T18:08:24+00:00

Articles & Publications

Washington

Curing Baumol’s Disease: In Search of Productivity Gains in Public Education

Laura Anderson2023-02-25T17:46:37+00:00

The authors discuss several areas in which labor-intensive businesses have improved productivity, but are absent in education. They conclude with a five-step agenda for finding the cure for Baumol’s disease in public education.

Curing Baumol’s Disease: In Search of Productivity Gains in Public EducationLaura Anderson2023-02-25T17:46:37+00:00

Articles & Publications

A False Dilemma: Should Decisions About Education Resource Use Be Made at the State or Local Level?

Laura Anderson2023-02-25T17:46:13+00:00

The shift in authority from the local to the state level raises several critical questions. In this paper, the authors suggest that the question should be “What obstacles prevent better connections between real dollars and valuable resources for students?”

A False Dilemma: Should Decisions About Education Resource Use Be Made at the State or Local Level?Laura Anderson2023-02-25T17:46:13+00:00

Articles & Publications

Breaking Down School Budgets: Following the Dollars into the Classroom

Laura Anderson2023-02-25T17:46:03+00:00

This analysis examines ways in which per-pupil spending in high schools varies by subject and course level, and demonstrates how isolating spending on discrete services can have a variety of benefits.

Breaking Down School Budgets: Following the Dollars into the ClassroomLaura Anderson2023-02-25T17:46:03+00:00

Articles & Publications

The Disproportionate Impact of Seniority-Based Layoffs on Poor, Minority Students

Laura Anderson2023-02-25T17:45:52+00:00

A study of California's 15 largest districts indicates that "last in, first out" policies disproportionately affect the programs and students in their poorer and more minority schools than in their wealthier, less minority counterparts.

The Disproportionate Impact of Seniority-Based Layoffs on Poor, Minority StudentsLaura Anderson2023-02-25T17:45:52+00:00

Articles & Publications

California

Educational Economics: Where Do School Funds Go?

Laura Anderson2023-02-25T17:45:43+00:00

This book explains how varied funding streams can prevent schools from delivering academic services that mesh with their stated priorities and offers concrete prescriptions for reform.

Educational Economics: Where Do School Funds Go?Laura Anderson2023-02-25T17:45:43+00:00

Articles & Publications

K–12 Job Trends Amidst Stimulus Funds: Early Findings

Laura Anderson2023-02-25T17:45:33+00:00

This brief explores trends in K–12 education jobs—those funded through the stimulus and by other means—to answer the question of what role ARRA played in overall education employment.

K–12 Job Trends Amidst Stimulus Funds: Early FindingsLaura Anderson2023-02-25T17:45:33+00:00

Articles & Publications

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Beyond Teacher Reassignments: Better Ways Districts Can Remedy Salary Inequities Across Schools

Laura Anderson2023-02-25T17:45:21+00:00

This brief demonstrates how, contrary to common worry, closing Title I's "comparability provision" loophole would not force districts to mandatorily reassign teachers.

Beyond Teacher Reassignments: Better Ways Districts Can Remedy Salary Inequities Across SchoolsLaura Anderson2023-02-25T17:45:21+00:00

Articles & Publications

Have States Disproportionately Cut Education Budgets During ARRA? Early Findings

Laura Anderson2023-02-25T17:44:56+00:00

This analysis explores how state education spending has changed or will change given the application of the State Fiscal Stabilization Fund, a policy intended to stabilize state budgets and avert cuts to education.

Have States Disproportionately Cut Education Budgets During ARRA? Early FindingsLaura Anderson2023-02-25T17:44:56+00:00

Articles & Publications

Now is a Great Time to Compute the Per-Unit Cost of Everything in Education

Laura Anderson2023-02-25T17:44:48+00:00

This paper examines how calculating the per unit costs of what schools or districts can deliver can provide the best insight into the implications of all that spending.

Now is a Great Time to Compute the Per-Unit Cost of Everything in EducationLaura Anderson2023-02-25T17:44:48+00:00

Articles & Publications

Seniority-Based Layoffs Will Exacerbate Job Loss in Public Education

Laura Anderson2023-02-25T17:44:23+00:00

This brief details why K-12 school districts that lay off personnel according to seniority cause disproportionate damage to their programs and students than if layoffs were determined on a seniority-neutral basis.

Seniority-Based Layoffs Will Exacerbate Job Loss in Public EducationLaura Anderson2023-02-25T17:44:23+00:00

Articles & Publications

What is the Sum of the Parts? How Federal, State, and District Funding Streams Confound Efforts to Address Different Student Types

Laura Anderson2023-02-25T17:44:14+00:00

The authors demonstrate in greater detail than ever before how America’s methods of school finance work against a single-minded focus on student learning.

What is the Sum of the Parts? How Federal, State, and District Funding Streams Confound Efforts to Address Different Student TypesLaura Anderson2023-02-25T17:44:14+00:00

Articles & Publications

Washington Ohio North Carolina Texas

Understanding Student-Weighted Allocation as a Means to Greater School Resource Equity

Laura Anderson2023-02-25T17:44:04+00:00

This study examines Houston ISD and Cincinnati Public Schools, providing evidence that student-weighted allocation can be a means toward greater resource equity among schools within districts.

Understanding Student-Weighted Allocation as a Means to Greater School Resource EquityLaura Anderson2023-02-25T17:44:04+00:00

Articles & Publications

How Districts Shortchange Low-Income and Minority Students

Laura Anderson2023-02-25T17:43:56+00:00

Dr. Roza's analysis demonstrates that, despite district bookkeeping practices that make funding across schools within the same district appear relatively comparable, substantially less money is spent in high-poverty and high-minority schools.

How Districts Shortchange Low-Income and Minority StudentsLaura Anderson2023-02-25T17:43:56+00:00

Articles & Publications

Pennywise and Pound Foolish in Education

Laura Anderson2023-02-25T17:43:47+00:00

The authors suggest that weighed student funding would show exactly where the money is going and foster transparency and accountability for performance, thereby potentially closing the gaps in local public service quality between the privileged and the disadvantaged.

Pennywise and Pound Foolish in EducationLaura Anderson2023-02-25T17:43:47+00:00

Articles & Publications

A Cost Allocation Model for Shared District Resources: A Means for Comparing Spending Across Schools

Laura Anderson2023-02-25T17:43:32+00:00

It can be difficult to assess how resources are distributed between schools, and whether every school is afforded the same opportunities to meet its educational goals. This paper addresses one key driver of spending variation between schools: shared district resources.

A Cost Allocation Model for Shared District Resources: A Means for Comparing Spending Across SchoolsLaura Anderson2023-02-25T17:43:32+00:00

Articles & Publications

Leveling the Playing Field: Creating Funding Equity Through Student-Based Budgeting

Laura Anderson2023-02-25T17:43:22+00:00

This report traces Cincinnati Public Schools' process of moving to a system of student based budgeting: funding children rather than staff members, and weighting the funding according to schools and students' needs.

Leveling the Playing Field: Creating Funding Equity Through Student-Based BudgetingLaura Anderson2023-02-25T17:43:22+00:00

Articles & Publications