Saturday, April 25, 2009
Discrepancies in school funding in Illinois
I read an interesting article titled "Illinois School Funding Failure: A Continued National Embarrassment" (http://www.aplusillinois.org/documents/IllinoisFundingFailure-EdWeek.pdf). I think it was the title that drew me to it in the first place when I was looking for information on funding in Illinois. The first sentence states that Illinois fails to ensure that every child gets a high-quality education supported by adequate resources. We are one of the worst states when it comes to spending money in our high-poverty districts, second only to New York. On average, the states with high-poverty districts have fewer resources, spending on average $907 less revenue per student than a low poverty school district. Illinois spends $2065 less per pupil in high-poverty districts compared to low-poverty districts. Illinois received a D+ for resource equity in 2005 (the most recent year I could find) but had received an F for the four previous years. This is amazing. Although this gap is unbelievable, what's truly amazing is that it requires more spending and resources to educate our students in these high poverty areas and yet they receive the least amount of money. When I think of the out of school factors that affect our students in the poorest neighborhoods, it is no wonder that these kids are so far behind their peers from wealthier districts. And as these kids advance in school, so does the achievement gap. "Per-pupil spending gaps add up to drastic resource inequities at the classroom and school level. According to the “Funding Gap 2005” report, Illinois spending gap equates to a difference of $51,625 between a classroom of 25 students in a low-poverty district and a class of 25 students in a high-poverty district (no adjustment for low-income students). Illinois spending gap translates to a difference of over $3 million dollars between a high-poverty and low-poverty district high school of 1,500 students." And yet, 'unsatisfactory' teachers are still blamed for out students performing below grade level in our poorest areas. When will funding become equitable across the state? In my opinion, I would say never. There is too much money and politics involved for any real change to take place. Legislators will just continue to blame the schools for not educating our students instead of trying to correct the gap in resources for our schools.
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That is totally scary. I think it has recently been so embarrassing to be from Illinois! But, with the last two governors in legal trouble for corruption and such, no wonder our schools are a mess! Our legislators have clearly had their minds elsewhere. Unfortunately, I tend to agree with your last statements. I'm not sure that we can ever fix the funding gap (or any other major problem) in Illinois until there is a major shift in the integrity of our legislators and the involvement of the public.
ReplyDeleteThe funding gap in Illinois is rediculous. equal opportunity should mean just that. There is no reason at all that one student should receive more resources at school than another. There are quite a few civil rights groups who are saying that this is a civil rights issue. This is based on the fact that the schools receiving the lowest funding have the highest concentration of minority students.
ReplyDeleteIt is quite disturbing and alarming how little Illinois puts into education. Also, it is just as sad the inequality of the education. It is the job of society to educate all its young equally. The quality of resources and resources should not be based on your address. I know it woould be a slap in the face for some people in the more affluent neighborhoods to see their money go to poorer neighborhoods, but come on. We are as strong as our weakest link. Right now we are not that strong.
ReplyDeleteThanks for this blog, i found it to be very informative and interesting. I was very sad but not suprised when you stated that in this state every child does not get a high quality education. To know that we are high on taxes but low on educational spending is very disturbing. I knew we were inadequate when it came to education but when you put the number in black and white, it really make you think. But, why would it be any other way when first and foremost we have so many dishonest politicians in office, that think that education for the poor is something that we they need not worry about on their watch.
ReplyDeletei agree the situation is appalling. What can be done?
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