An analysis of spending patterns in dissimilar revenue school districts in the state of Michigan

<p>The primary purpose of this study was to compare two districts with somewhat similar demographics but with dissimilar revenues to see whether or not additional funding per child resulted in enhanced learning opportunities for students in the higher funded district. In addition, although not a primary function of this study, student achievement was considered as a possible outcome for students who had enhanced learning opportunities.</p> <p>Because public school funding is determined by policy makers, three public policy questions were the basis for comparing the two districts. The three questions were as follows: (a) Should a child’s zip code determine the amount of money spent on his/her education? (b) Is the current minimum funding provided to the majority of schools in the state of Michigan “adequate”? and (c) Do schools that receive more than the minimum funding per student use that money to provide enhanced learning opportunities for their students?</p> <p>The specific enhanced learning opportunities that were examined in this study were as follows: (a) K-3class size; (b) special reading programs, especially in lower elementary; (c) advanced placement/honor classes; (d) foreign language courses; (e) music, art, and athletics; and (f) continued teacher learning. The results of this study revealed that the higher funded school district provided enhanced learning opportunities to a much greater degree than did the lower funded school district. The only area that was comparable was that of K-3class size. It was very evident that the higher funded school district spent its additional funding on areas that benefited students. This may be one of the reasons that the students in the higher funded school district had much higher MEAP and standardized test scores.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Doctor of Education (EdD)

Level thesis:degree_level

Open Access Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Leadership and Counseling

Year

2006

Author dc:creator

• Korpak, M. Scott

Contributors dc:contributor

• William, Price, PhD, Chair
• Donald Bennion, PhD
• Nelson Maylone, EdD

• Educational equalization Michigan
• Education Michigan Finance
• Educational Leadership

Repository record dc:identifier

https://commons.emich.edu/theses/79

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:commons.emich.edu:theses-1078