State Budgets/Funding
Learn about how much money states spend on K-12 schools and their funding priorities
School & District Management
Calif. K-12 Funding, Governance Still Troubled, Report Says
Five years after a blue-ribbon group urged major changes, fundamental problems remain, a follow-up report contends.
States
Proposed Tax Hike No Longer Mollifies California Ed. Groups
In the wake of news that California's budget deficit has grown to $15.7 billion, $6.5 billion more than a January estimate, California education groups are now worried that a proposed take hike in November to fund schools won't be enough to staunch deep cuts.
Education Funding
Foundation Cash Boosts Education Advocacy Groups
Grants to prominent K-12 groups often helps underwrite activities touching on sensitive areas of education policy.
Education Funding
California Ed. Experts Say 2007 Optimism Was "Clearly Unwarranted."
A new study of California public schools from 2007 to 2011 paints a fairly grim picture that includes "small progress" but major challenges remaining. Among the findings is that the state's per-pupil spending in K-12 dropped by $522, a 6 percent slump.
States
Study: Early Learning in Kansas Tops Retail Trade in Economic Power
A report from a coalition of business leaders states that every dollar invested in early learning programs in Kansas generates 68 cents for the state's economy, beating out manufacturing and retail in terms of its economic impact.
Education Funding
Sluggish Pace for Race to Top Spending
States have been slow to spend their prize money, reflecting challenges in delivering on ambitious plans.
Early Childhood
Study Points to Drop in Per-Pupil Spending for Pre-K
Researchers say funding for state preschool programs has not kept up with the growth in enrollments.
Education Funding
Republican Iowa, Mississippi Governors Irked With GOP Reps
Republican governors in Iowa and Mississippi are sparring with their GOP-controlled legislatures on education issues related to funding and charter schools, respectively.
Education Funding
Warnings Sounded on Separate Fronts Over K-12 Funding
A new GOP budget blueprint and across-the-board cuts stemming from last years budget deal draw fresh concerns.
Standards & Accountability
Opinion
Misplaced Optimism and Weighted Funding
Eric Hanushek says school-driven weighted funding is a misguided reform solution.
States
Full-Day Kindergarten Gets Boost from Indiana Governor
Indiana's Republican Gov. Mitch Daniels has signed a bill appropriating additional state money for full-day kindergarten on a per-student basis.
Budget & Finance
Minn. House Approves Partial Repayment to Schools
The Minnesota House of Representatives approved a plan on March 15 that would use rainy day fund to pay down part of the $2.4 billion debt the state has to its public schools.
Families & the Community
Parent, Community Groups Pressed to Fill K-12 Budget Gaps
Cash-strapped school districts turn to outside groups for help in paying for staff and academic essentials, prompting frustration from some.
Classroom Technology
Examining the Florida Virtual School
The largest state-sponsored online school is held up as a model to follow, but some are questioning its effectiveness.