District Resource Allocation Archives

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Communication Template for Principals on Use of Federal Relief Funds

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

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

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

Tools & Infographics

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

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

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

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

Articles & Publications Opinion

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Articles & Publications

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

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

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

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

Webinars

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Breaking tradition: A fixed-dollar pay raise strategy that benefits teachers and school districts

Laura Anderson2023-02-25T18:11:20+00:00

In this paper we examine both the degree to which pay systems for teachers are more heavily back-loaded than for many other professions and the ramifications of this steep salary curve for teachers, states and school districts.

Breaking tradition: A fixed-dollar pay raise strategy that benefits teachers and school districtsLaura Anderson2023-02-25T18:11:20+00:00

Articles & Publications

ALL

How the teacher pay raise formula could worsen Seattle’s inequity

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

In this oped Marguerite Roza describes one critical issue underlying the fall 2015 Seattle Public Schools teachers' strike that neither the Seattle School District nor the Seattle Education Association.

How the teacher pay raise formula could worsen Seattle’s inequityLaura Anderson2023-02-25T18:11:21+00:00

Opinion

Turning a Benefits Conundrum into a Potential Opportunity for Teachers and Students

Laura Anderson2023-02-25T18:11:23+00:00

This analysis shows how a longer work year could increase teachers’ annual salaries and improve student outcomes.

Turning a Benefits Conundrum into a Potential Opportunity for Teachers and StudentsLaura Anderson2023-02-25T18:11:23+00:00

Articles & Publications

ALL

Title I: Time to Get It Right

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

In this brief on the landmark federal law’s 50th anniversary, we offer five key principles to help policymakers revise Title I so that it fulfills its promise of augmenting funding for poor students.

Title I: Time to Get It RightLaura Anderson2023-02-25T18:11:25+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

How Late-Career Raises Drive Teacher-Pension Debt

Laura Anderson2023-02-25T18:11:29+00:00

In this paper we model the impacts of late-term raises on teacher pension obligations showing that on average each dollar raise triggers $10 to $16 in new taxpayer obligations and provide suggestions to mitigate such impacts while improving incentives for early and mid career teachers.

How Late-Career Raises Drive Teacher-Pension DebtLaura Anderson2023-02-25T18:11:29+00:00

Articles & Publications

california New Jersey Illinois

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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

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

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

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

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

Reading District Budget Packets

Laura Anderson2020-04-08T22:34:10+00:00

This activity guides participants through reading and understanding district budgets.

Reading District Budget PacketsLaura Anderson2020-04-08T22:34:10+00:00

Tools & Infographics