While the basic approach to school funding in the United States has remained largely the same for generations, a study finds that states over time have shifted to devoting more resources to help specific populations, particularly English-language learners and economically disadvantaged and academically struggling students.
The study, written by Deborah Verstegen of the University of Nevada, Reno, and published in Education Policy Analysis Archives, examines school finance systems in all 50 states.
Thirty-four states provide extra support for children at risk of failing or dropping out of school, the report says, and 37 provide extra money for teaching English-language learners.
