Funding In Education

Federal funding in education has been at the center of funding controversy for a number of years. The US Constitution empowers individual states with the responsibility of educating K12 students. When you look at the amount of money spent on funding in education, the figure approaches 600 billion dollars. While the federal governments funding in education has risen drastically, student performance does not appear to show improvement based on this increased spending.

Most funding from the federal government is sent directly to individual states. This funding usually provides for services local school districts are not able to fund. This funding in education allots for special education services, low income lunch, as well as a variety of other programs not in alignment with local school districts.

While funding in education is increasing, this funding alone does not guarantee that the money will ultimately result in increased student performance. Data over the years does not give this indication, as many schools continue to fall behind in adequate yearly progress for certain students.

Many of the increased funding in education costs are tied to increasing salaries among the teaching community. Despite difficult economic times for many school systems, teacher salaries and benefits have remained stable, actually increasing in many states. There appears to be little accountability when offering additional funding in education money to our educators. By and large, teacher unions have refused to accept tying in student achievement with their performance. Most unions have refused to negotiate any contract that includes any teacher related performance clause.

According to a recent law that was enacted, titled The No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB), it gives our schools and our country groundbreaking education reform based on stronger accountability for results, more flexibility for states and communities, and an emphasis on proven education methods, including more options for parents.

While this funding in education has been a breath of fresh air, it is difficult for local school districts to adhere to all the guidelines and regulations necessary to meet the parameters of the Act. For many educators, this Act is just more bureaucracy that hinders educators from doing their jobs. Most lawmakers that enacted this law gave little thought or consideration to the impact within the classroom. Critics of the funding in education Act say that politicians never discussed in any great level how this Act would impact our schools. Whether this Act will continue or be replaced by yet another bureaucratic law remains to be seen.

Increased funding in education is a good sign that there is a commitment among our legislators to educate our children. But throwing money at an education system that needs structural help may not produce the results expected.