Finance
 The Progress of Education Reform: Who Pays the Tab for K-12 Education?  PDF - The purpose of careful selection of wealth measures in funding formulas is to ensure that state funding is directed toward those districts that cannot afford to fund public education. This issue of The Progress of Education Reform examines why measuring a district's wealth by property values alone can be a problem. (Michael Griffith, ECS, August 2013)...
The Progress of Education Reform: Understanding State School Funding PDF - Many policymakers view their state's school funding formula not as a tool for reform but as a barrier to change. Policymakers tend to view the way that their state funds schools as a byzantine system of rules, regulations and formulas that is only comprehendible to a handful of people. When policymakers don't understand the basics of their state’s funding system, it is difficult for them to determine what changes are needed to encourage innovation. This issue of The Progress of Education Reform sets out to ease some of the confusion by helping readers better understand these complex systems, with the hope that this knowledge will be used to help support education reform in the states. (Michael Griffith, ECS, June 2012)...
2012 State of the State Addresses: Governors' Top Education Issues PDF - This analysis highlights the education issues prioritized by governors and the mayor of Washington, D.C. in their 2012 state of the state addresses. The state leaders explained that increasing the quality and availability of education, from preschool through postsecondary, was essential to recovering from the recession, spurring economic growth, remaining competitive, and to the health and well-being of each state's citizens. Top issues include Finance (K-12 & Postsecondary), Teaching Quality, Postsecondary Affordability/Access, School Choice, Workforce Development, Early Learning (P-3), and Reading and Literacy....
State Aid to Nonpublic Schools PDF - This document identifies state nonpublic school aid other than tax benefits, vouchers and alternative tuition programs. (Chris Leahy, ECS, March 2012)...
12 for 2012 - 12 for 2012 is an ECS “read of the field,” built on our scrutiny of new reports and research, and our analysis of emerging drivers of change. The 12 policy areas do not represent an exhaustive list of the critical issues for the coming year, nor is this report intended to dictate your education policy priorities for 2012. Rather, 12 for 2012 is intended to stimulate thinking around how best to craft the “2.0” of powerful policy across the states. (ECS, 2012)...
2011-12 Federal Budget: Department of Education Overview PDF - Provides an overview of the 2011-12 federal education budget, identifies programs that experienced significant funding changes from last year’s budget, and breaks out 2011 vs. 2012 appropriations for key federal programs. (Emily Workman, ECS, January 2012)...
What Savings are Produced by Moving to a Four-Day School Week? PDF - Because of the economic downturn more districts than ever are moving to a four-day school week, but the question still exists — what cost savings, if any, will this move produce? Making use of national and local spending data, this report shows what savings a district might realistically expect to realize when moving to a four-day week. (Michael Griffith, Education Commission of the States, May 2011)...
A Promise Unfulfilled: How Title I funding is broken and what could be done about it PDF - This issue of The Progress of Education Reform examines inequities in how Title I funds are distributed, and proposes changes that address three key factors. (Michael Griffith, Education Commission of the States, May 2011)...
Return on Investment: Where should leaders invest? - Access related research titles from the ECS Research Studies Database. Links embedded in titles will take you to each study's major findings and recommendations....
Value of an Education: What educational and student factors impact later earnings? - Access related research titles from the ECS Research Studies Database. Links embedded in titles will take you to each study's major findings and recommendations....
From the ECS State Policy Database: Finance--Aid to Private Schools - This policy database—updated weekly—is made possible by your state's fiscal support of the Education Commission of the States....
From the ECS State Policy Database: Finance--Federal - This policy database—updated weekly—is made possible by your state's fiscal support of the Education Commission of the States....
From the ECS State Policy Database: Postsecondary Finance--Facilities - This policy database—updated weekly—is made possible by your state's fiscal support of the Education Commission of the States....
Race to the Top Round II Winners PDF - Today, Secretary of Education Arne Duncan announced 10 Race to the Top (RttT) round II winners. Almost $3.4 billion remains in RttT federal funds and should be awarded to the 10 winning round II applicants by October. Two states, Delaware and Tennessee won grants in round I of the competition earlier this year. Secretary Duncan stated in that "[w]e’re very hopeful there will be a Phase 3 of Race to the Top and have requested $1.35 billion dollars in next year’s budget" to continue the grant competition. (Molly Ryan, Education Commission of the States, August 2010)...
An Update on: Estimating the Impact of the EduJobs Proposal on States PDF - H.R. 1586 has recently passed the United States Senate and is awaiting a vote in the House of Representatives. This bill would establish a program, commonly referred to as EduJobs, which would provide $10 billion to states to create or save education positions in K-12 public schools. This ECS Alert covers some of the details of the legislation....
Pay for Performance Proposals in Race to the Top Round II Applications PDF - The Education Commission of the States reviewed all 36 Race to the Top (RttT) Round II applications. Each of the 36 states that applied for Round II funding referenced pay for performance under the heading of "Improving teacher and principal effectiveness based on performance." The majority of states outlined pay for performance initiatives to be implemented upon receipt of RttT funds. Key takeaways from the 36 applications are reviewed in this paper. (Stephanie Rose, July 2010)...
Proposed Cuts in Race to the Top Funding: Potential Impact on States  MS Word PDF - This briefing memo summarizes recent Race to the Top developments and breaks down the remaining funds available to round II applicants before and after the House’s proposed $500 million budget cut. ECS estimates the number of states that could receive round II funding, and the potential impact on states of the proposed budget cut. (Stephanie Rose, Education Commission of the States, July 2010)...
An Update on: Estimating the Impact of the EduJobs Proposal on States MS Word PDF - This ECS StateNote updates information on the proposal in the U.S. House of Representatives would create an "education jobs fund" which many are calling the EduJobs program. This program would provide $22.47 billion to states to create or save education positions in K-12 public schools. (Mike Griffith, Education Commission of the States, July 2010)...
What Governors Need to Know: Highlights of State Education Systems PDF - This multistate compilation includes states' number of operating districts, average students per district, per-student spending, free or reduced-price lunch eligible students, percent of K-12 revenue from state sources, state and local school revenue, full-day kindergarten requirements, compulsory school ages and more. (Kyle Zinth and Melodye Bush, Education Commission of the States, updated December 2010)...
Estimating the Number of Jobs Created or Saved MS Word PDF - http://www.ecs.org/clearinghouse/85/25/8525.pdf
(Mike Griffith, Education Commission of the States, April 2010)...
International School Finance MS Word PDF - Public interest has put significant focus on how the United States education system compares with those around the world. This ECS StateNote uses data collected and published by the Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization to show how America's school funding system compares with other developed countries’ systems from around the world. (Mike Griffith, Education Commission of the States, April 2010)...
Investing in Innovation Fund - Update MS Word PDF - Updates information about the i3 grants. Provides the timeline, the application grading scale and information about the cost-sharing or matching. The i3 grants are part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) and are directed toward individual school districts or groups of school districts and entrepreneurial nonprofits partnering with school districts. Although states are not eligible to apply, there may be ways in which states could assist districts or consortiums with their grant applications. (ECS, March 2010)...
Investing in Innovation Fund PDF - ...
Proposed State Uses of Stabilization Funding PDF - This ECS Alert examines stabilization funding and includes information on front-loading of funds versus actual spending, splitting education funds and state variation on planned expenditures of government service issues. (Mike Griffith, Education Commission of the States, November 2009)...
Investing in Innovation Fund PDF - U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan recently announced the proposed priorities for grants under the $650 million Investing in Innovation Fund (i3 grants). Although these funds are directed toward individual school districts or groups of school districts, this Alert presents ways in which states could assist districts or consortiums with their grant applications. (Molly Ryan, Education Commission of the States, October 2009)...
Light at the End of the Tunnel PDF - It appears that the nation’s economy is on the mend. For example, a recent report from the United States Federal Reserve points out several signs of a recovery. However, the speed of the recovery is still in question and it is hard to predict how quickly education spending, in particular, will recover. This ECS Policy Alert examines the economic flow-chart for education spending. (Mike Griffith, Education Commission of the States, October 2009)...
Issues in Funding Summer School Programs MS Word PDF - To better understand how, or if, states fund summer school programs ECS reviewed the education funding formulas of 11 states with policies supporting summer school. Of the 11 states in the study, only one did not provide any state funding stream for summer school programs. ECS found that the remaining 10 states provided funding in two distinct ways: (1) through a state’s primary funding formula; or (2) Through categorical funding. (Mike Griffith and Kyle Zinth, Education Commission of the States, April 2009)...
State ARRA Web Sites MS Word PDF - The following table provides links to ARRA education-related Web pages developed by state executive branches (governor's office or a delegated agency) and state education agencies (SEA). Where states have two ARRA-related Web sites — both sites are listed. (Jennifer Dounay, Education Commission of the States, April 2009)...
Race to the Top: Promising State Models MS Word PDF - Through the recently passed American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), the U.S. Department of Education will conduct a national competition among states for a $4.35 billion "Race to the Top" incentive program designed to push states to improve education quality and results. The Race to the Top fund will help drive substantial gains in student achievement by supporting states that make dramatic progress on four reform goals outlined in the ARRA. Race to the Top grants will be awarded in two rounds — fall 2009 and spring 2010. This overview document provides links to legislation and other state sources highlighted in ECS’ March 2009 "Race to the Top" Briefing Memos on Goals 1, 2, 3 and 4. (Jennifer Dounay, Education Commission of the States, March 2009)...
Maximizing Education Reform in the Stimulus Bill: Building State Innovation Funds PDF - As states prepare for the disbursement of billions of dollars from the stimulus’ stabilization fund, many state officials are grappling with how to best simultaneously shore up district budget deficits and maximize the opportunity to reform policies and practices that impede student achievement. Education Commission of the States (ECS) and Teach for America (TFA) have produced an idea paper for states to consider as each begins this important work. (Michael Griffith, Education Commission of the States, March 2009)...
State Budget Shortfalls: Examples of State Responses MS Word PDF - Due to significant projected budget shortfalls for 2009 and 2010, many states are proposing short-term cuts in P-12 education spending. This ECS StateNote provides examples of potential budget cuts in five areas, including: (1) capital and building expenditures; (2) textbooks, supplies and equipment; (3) salaries and benefits; (4) staffing of non-teaching positions (at the local and state level); and (5) instructional and support programs and services. The report also indicates where funds are being added or reallocated, and where states are considering creative approaches to preserve or expand P-12 education programs and services. (Jennifer Dounay, Education Commission of the States, February 2009)...
The Progress of Education Reform: Funding Dual Credit Programs PDF - More than 87% of America's public high schools offer their students the opportunity to gain college credit prior to graduation. Learning opportunities that allow students to gain college-level credit often are referred to as "dual credit" programs, and they are experiencing a growth in both the number of students who take advantage of them and the number of schools that offer them. (Mike Griffith, Education Commission of the States, January 2009)...
State Funding Programs for High-Cost Special Education Students MS Word PDF - In this country, approximately six million public school students receive special education services. Of these six million students, approximately 300,000 could be defined as "high need" or "high cost" students. This ECS StateNote presents the results of a survey of 12 states' high-cost special education policies to determine how each state defines special education students as being "high-cost" and what, if any, additional funding is provided to districts to address their funding need. (Mike Griffith, Education Commission of the States, May 2008)...
On A Razor’s Edge: The National Economy and School Budgets MS Word PDF - Bad economic news is coming in waves these days. While news about the state of our nation’s economy can be disheartening, it is important to remember that a national economic slowdown does not usually translate into immediate budget cuts for school districts. There is a progression from a national economic slowdown to reductions in school budgets, the stages of which are identified in this new ECS Policy Alert. (Mike Griffith, Education Commission of the States, April 2008)...
Issues in Funding Early & Middle College High Schools MS Word PDF - Early and middle colleges allow students to earn a high school diploma free of cost while gaining postsecondary credit in a small school environment. To help determine how state funding systems for early/middle colleges differ from funding programs for traditional schools, ECS reviewed the funding policies for these seven states. This review focuses on three funding issues in particular: (1) How does the state fund early/middle colleges compared to traditional high schools? (2) Does the state provide additional funding to the higher education institution where students are earning their postsecondary education credits? (3) Is a student required to pay tuition? (Mike Griffith, Education Commission of the States, March 2008)...
Cost Per-Day for Extended School Year MS Word PDF - Extending the school year has become a topic of interest to many state and federal policymakers. Prior to deciding to extend the school year it is important for policymakers to understand the associated costs. This ECS StateNote gives a rough estimate of the total cost and the instructional cost of school operation in each state. (Michael Griffith, Education Commission of the States, February 2008)...
What Policymakers Need to Know About the Cost of Implementing Lab-Based Science Course Requirements MS Word PDF - An increasing number of states have required that some – or all – Carnegie units in science for high school graduation be fulfilled by lab sciences. This ECS Policy Brief examines the research that supports implementing lab science requirements for high school graduation; the number of states requiring science lab credits for high school graduation; the costs associated with fitting schools with science labs – in terms of capital, equipment, operations, maintenance and other needs; and the alternatives to traditional labs and their respective benefits and disadvantages in terms of cost, space, teaching staff needs and student learning. (Mike Griffith, Education Commission of the States, June 2007)...
A Survey of Finance Adequacy Studies MS Word PDF - The purpose of school finance adequacy studies is to determine the cost of providing students with an "adequate education." As this ECS StateNote demonstrates, the definition of an adequate education can vary greatly from one study to the next. Included are summaries of 12 states' adequacy studies as well as explanations of the types of studies performed and the differences between them. (Michael Griffith, Education Commission of the States, May 2007)...
Comprehensive State Facility Programs MS Word PDF - In the 2005-06 school year $54.3 billion was spent on public school facilities in the United States and an additional $16.3 billion was spent on interest on the debt from previous school facilities projects. In most states the majority of funding for school facilities comes from the individual school districts – usually through local property tax levies. Fiscal studies have shown that funding systems that rely too greatly on local school district funding can result in a vast disparity in the quantity and quality of school facilities between high- and low-wealth school districts. This ECS StateNote examines comprehensive state facility programs, those which have increased funding levels and attempted to direct more funding toward low-income/low-property-wealth school districts. (Michael Griffith and Stephanie Fonda, Education Commission of the States, January 2007)...
School Finance – A Year in Review MS Word PDF - School finance was once again at the forefront of most state policymaker’s agendas in 2006. As has been the case since 2001: state budget constraints, school finance litigation and attempts to determine the cost of an adequate education occupied much of the debate around education finance. This document examines some of issues that influenced school finance policy in 2006 and that are likely to continue to be sources of debate in 2007. (Mike Griffith, Education Commission of the States, December 2006)...
State Funding Issues for Small and Isolated Schools and Districts MS Word PDF - To help school leaders in Montana better understand how to provide adequate and effective funding to small and isolated schools and districts, this document reviews the funding formulas in 11 different states to determine what, if any, additional funding is provided to small and isolated schools and districts. (Michael Griffith and Patrick Byrnett, Education Commission of the States, September 2005)...
State Links for School Finance MS Word PDF - This document provides a link to every state's education finance Web site. Each site provides information on state budgets, funding formulas, salaries, frequently asked questions and more. (Molly Burke, Education Commission of the States, 2005)...
School Finance Litigation and Beyond MS Word PDF - While school funding lawsuits have produced broad changes in some states, there are instances where the cost of litigation – both financially and in terms of impacts on the education system – may outstrip any benefits. This paper outlines some of the costs that school funding lawsuits pose to states and offers several strategies beyond litigation for policymakers and members of the education community. (Michael Griffith, Education Commission of the States, April 2005)...
State Education Funding Formulas and Grade Weighting MS Word PDF - This ECS StateNote describes the different types of funding formulas states use to determine the state share of funding for K-12 public education. The report also includes data on how states weight each grade level within the funding formula. (Michael Griffith, ECS, May 2005)...
Inflation Adjustments In State Education Funding Formulas MS Word PDF - Several states include inflation, or cost of living, adjustments in their funding formulas that automatically increase state spending on education from one year to the next. This StateNote provides information on six states that have such inflation adjustments. (Michael Griffith, Education Commission of the States, May 2005)...
Lottery Information By State MS Word - This document provides a brief description of each state's lottery program, including information on how lottery revenues are spent and a link to the state lottery Web site. (Molly Burke, Education Commission of the States, February 2006)...
Administrative and Instructional Spending Mandates MS Word PDF - This StateNote gives examples of state policies dealing with attempts by lawmakers to maximize limited resources by requiring more funding go directly to the instruction of students and less be expended on administrative and other costs. (Michael Griffith, Education Commission of the States, November 2004)...
Changes in Per-pupil Education Spending (1981-2001) MS Word PDF - The StateNote compares per-student expeditures in 1981, 1991 and 2001, both in unadjusted and adjusted dollars. Graphics displaying changes in per-pupil spending may be viewed
here, here and here. (Michael Griffith, Education Commission of the States, August 2004)
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From the ECS State Policy Database: Finance--Local Foundations/Funds - This policy database—updated weekly—is made possible by your state's fiscal support of the Education Commission of the States....
Taxation and Spending Policies MS Word PDF - School district budget and tax rate procedures vary among the states. This ECS StateNote lists the local taxes used to fund education and the taxation and spending caps in each state. (Michael Griffith, Education Commission of the States, June 2004)...
Education Finance Adequacy PDF - This Powerpoint presentation provides an overview of education finance adequacy and highlights states that have conducted adequacy studies. (Mike Griffith, Education Commission of the States, April 2003)
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Constitutional Language: State Obligations for Public School Funding MS Word PDF - Each state is obligated to provide its residents with a system of public education under the rules of their constitution. However, the specific type of education each state must supply varies. This ECS StateNote provides the language in each state’s constitution that pertains to state obligations for public school funding. It includes links to each constitution and reference points for state funding of religious education and disabled student services as well as age and school year provisions where applicable. (Kindle Merrell, Education Commission of the States, 2002)...
From the ECS State Policy Database: Finance--State Budgets/Expenditures - This policy database—updated weekly—is made possible by your state's fiscal support of the Education Commission of the States....
Survey of Selected States with Property Tax Policies That Provide Tax Relief to Homeowners MS Word - Several states in recent years have enacted policies that provide tax relief to property owners based on specific criteria. Tax exemptions may be available to seniors, veterans or disabled persons. Other exceptions may be homestead exemptions or assessment caps. Data is presented on nine randomly selected states. (Michael Griffith, ECS StateNotes, Education Commission of the States, 2001)...
Constructing New Finance Models that Balance Equity, Adequacy and Efficiency with Responsiveness MS Word - An ECS classic. This paper is third of three in the series: Education Finance in the States: Its Past, Present and Future. As America enters what technically will be the first school year of the new millennium, a policy issue looms that is almost as fundamental as that resulting from Brown v. Board of Education. Dramatic enrollment growth, ensuring financial “adequacy,” maintaining gains in distributional equality, coping with intensified needs for classroom teachers, incorporating electronic technology into instruction, satisfying public preferences for greater diversity in schools and programs, devising performance incentives and “accountability” procedures – these are all likely to pose major challenges for policymakers wrestling with education finance. (James W. Guthrie, Education Commission of the States, July 2001)
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From the ECS State Policy Database: Finance - This policy database—updated weekly—is made possible by your state's fiscal support of the Education Commission of the States....
From the ECS State Policy Database: Finance--Adequacy/Core Cost - This policy database—updated weekly—is made possible by your state's fiscal support of the Education Commission of the States....
From the ECS State Policy Database: Finance--Bonds - This policy database—updated weekly—is made possible by your state's fiscal support of the Education Commission of the States....
From the ECS State Policy Database: Finance--District - This policy database—updated weekly—is made possible by your state's fiscal support of the Education Commission of the States....
From the ECS State Policy Database: Finance--Equity - This policy database—updated weekly—is made possible by your state's fiscal support of the Education Commission of the States....
From the ECS State Policy Database: Finance--Facilities - This policy database—updated weekly—is made possible by your state's fiscal support of the Education Commission of the States....
From the ECS State Policy Database: Finance--Funding Formulas - This policy database—updated weekly—is made possible by your state's fiscal support of the Education Commission of the States....
From the ECS State Policy Database: Finance--Litigation - This policy database—updated weekly—is made possible by your state's fiscal support of the Education Commission of the States....
From the ECS State Policy Database: Finance--Lotteries - This policy database—updated weekly—is made possible by your state's fiscal support of the Education Commission of the States....
From the ECS State Policy Database: Finance--Performance Funding - This policy database—updated weekly—is made possible by your state's fiscal support of the Education Commission of the States....
From the ECS State Policy Database: Finance--Private Giving - This policy database—updated weekly—is made possible by your state's fiscal support of the Education Commission of the States....
From the ECS State Policy Database: Finance--Resource Efficiency - This policy database—updated weekly—is made possible by your state's fiscal support of the Education Commission of the States....
From the ECS State Policy Database: Finance--Student Fees - This policy database—updated weekly—is made possible by your state's fiscal support of the Education Commission of the States....
From the ECS State Policy Database: Finance--Taxes/Revenues - This policy database—updated weekly—is made possible by your state's fiscal support of the Education Commission of the States....
From the ECS State Policy Database: Finance--Taxes/Revenues--Alternative Revenues - This policy database—updated weekly—is made possible by your state's fiscal support of the Education Commission of the States....
Determining the Cost of a Basic or Core Education MS Word - Recent education reforms and court decisions have intensified the need for a useable model or procedure for determining the cost of a core education. Several states are reexamining the issue of adequacy in terms of "what is a core education and what does it cost?" While few procedures for determining these ideal spending ranges exist within education, other public service areas or the private sector might provide examples. (Mary Fulton, Education Commission of the States, April 1999)...
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The Progress of Education Reform
