A while back ago, I never realized how schools and certain areas had more educational opportunities than others. I noticed that many schools need help with funding, but I never took to account that schools that lacked money were really at a disadvantage. Schools that spend more money on students have better outcomes. These results include better teaching materials and environment, more curriculum options, and even higher graduation rates.
The difference in School funding between states and locations are very dramatic. While Utah spends around $6500 per student, New Jersey almost spends three times more on their students. Demographics and background between these states are different as well, and the difference between costs on education varies exceedingly.
After looking at the immense gaps between these two states, I wondered if students that received less funding had more learning disadvantages. I compared two school districts near Detroit, Michigan: The Troy School District and the Pontiac School District. Being pretty familiar with these two districts personally, I knew that the Troy School District spent vast amounts of money on their students (ipads for students 3rd to 9th grade). In contrast, the Pontiac School district is considered one of Michigan’s top 25 least affluent schools. The two schools’ academic achievements varied as well, with Troy School District having much higher rankings.
The relationships with differences in funding and more opportunities proved to be contemporary, and it is essential to help schools that cannot afford to provide more to their students. With the funds spent on students, classrooms, supplies, classes, and even test score rates can dramatically improve. With donations and help from organizations, schools that lack the financial budget will slowly improve and become more developed. Ultimately, funding is critical to improving educational equity and accessibility.
Other possible solutions that can help disparity situations adding extra funds to low-income children and even not relying as much on property taxes. While these steps may be more of a gradual change, the best course of action that everyone can accomplish is doing the best to support schools.
Nonetheless, even the smallest bit of help could help schools in a significant way. By donating, volunteering, and sharing your compassion, schools will benefit greatly.
Work Cited
Maciag, Mike. “The States That Spend the Most (and the Least) on Education.” Governing.Com, 2016, www.governing.com/topics/education/gov-education-funding-states.html.
“Funding Disparities.” New America, www.newamerica.org/education-policy/topics/school-funding-and-resources/school-funding/funding-disparities/. Accessed 31 Aug. 2020.
“Michigan’s 50 Least Affluent School Districts, Based on Median Income.” Mlive, 1 Sept. 2017, www.mlive.com/news/2017/09/michigan_poorest_school_distri.html. Accessed 31 Aug. 2020.
“The Funding Gap - Educational Leadership.” Ascd.Org, 2019, www.ascd.org/publications/educational-leadership/feb05/vol62/num05/-The-Funding-Gap.aspx.