The Promise of Fairer School Spending

Catherine Brown discusses a provision in the Every Student Succeeds Act that will provide more resources and opportunities for students from low-income communities.

The Every Student Succeeds Act, the soon-to-be latest version of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, has passed the Senate and is expected to be signed into law today. While most of the focus of advocates and lawmakers has been on state accountability systems, one provision championed by Sen. Michael Bennet, D-Colo., bears note for its promise to drive more resources to schools serving students from low-income communities.

The Flexibility for Equitable Per-Pupil Funding program will give 50 school districts nationwide the opportunity to combine and distribute federal, state and local funds through one formula that allocates resources based on student needs. Using weighted student funding, districts will be able to send more money to schools serving students from low-income families, English learners and children with disabilities. The populations receiving additional weights will vary by district to best address each community’s needs and ultimately serve the most disadvantaged students.

The above excerpt was originally published in U.S. News & World Report. Click here to view the full article.

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