STATEWIDE FINANCE REFORM - ENSURING EDUCATIONAL ADEQUACY FOR HIGH-POVERTY SCHOOLS

Statewide finance reform can offer a one-time opportunity for major overhaul of instructional and noninstructional services throughout a state's schools. Any funding remedy should address two kinds of issues. First base funding for low-income schools should be improved to provide an adequate infrastructure for education. Second, investments should be made in programs and practices intended to directly assist schools in increasing student performance reward the level needed in the 21st century. This article describes a mechanism by which states might use new monies to disseminate effective programs and practices among schools, to evaluate results, and to build capacity within the state to support and disseminate effective programs and practices.