Dollars and Inclusion: Investigating the Impact of Per Pupil Funding on Inclusive Practices in Special Education

This study investigates the impact of per-pupil funding on inclusive placements in special education in New Jersey, focusing on factors influencing inclusive practices. Inclusion is a fundamental right for students with disabilities, requiring adequate funding to be effectively implemented. Using hierarchical linear modeling, this research analyzes the relationship between per-pupil funding and inclusion rates while controlling for various school-level and district-level variables, including socioeconomic status (SES), race, community type, school type, enrollment, disability categories, out-of-district placements, and extraordinary aid. Key findings reveal that schools with higher percentages of white students and larger enrollments exhibit higher rates of inclusive placements. Additionally, districts with higher out-of-district placements tend to have higher inclusion rates within their schools. Contrary to expectations, neither per-pupil funding nor extraordinary aid significantly correlate with inclusion rates. The study highlights the significant role of demographic factors and school size in shaping inclusive practices and underscores the need for targeted attention to policies and practices in the state of New Jersey. Future research should explore the relationship between enrollment and inclusion, the impact of racial composition on funding equity, and the effectiveness of various fiscal incentives in promoting inclusion. This research contributes to our understanding of the complex factors influencing inclusive education and provides valuable insights for policymakers and educators aiming to create more equitable educational environments.

Grantor dc:publisher

University of Kansas

Year dc:date.issued

2024

Author dc:creator

• Cosand, Kylene

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Robinson, Suzanne

• Education finance
• Education policy
• Special education
• finance
• inclusion
• New Jersey

Language dc:language.iso

en

Dc Identifier Other

http://dissertations.umi.com/ku:19687

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:kuscholarworks.ku.edu:1808/38025