In the United States, each state has its own system for funding its public schools. In this post, I want to discuss the Texas system for funding public schools. It is no secret that this system has some major flaws. In fact, it is so well-known that "despite their political rifts, Republicans, and Democrats, House and Senate lawmakers, and rural and urban Texans all agree the state needs to change the way it funds public schools," as Aliyya Swaby states in her article Texas' school finance system is unpopular and complex. Here's how it works. One issue with Texas' system for funding public schools is that it focuses too heavily on equality instead of equity. In reality, some students need more resources and funding in order to obtain equality.
Another major problem with the way Texas' public schools are funded is that the system is rarely ever revised. The state of Texas has a base amount of funding that it gives to each student, and this number has remained stagnant for decades despite the steep increase in inflation in recent years. Anyone that lives in Texas knows that it is constantly changing. What used to be a small rural town is now a blossoming suburb. This plays a major role because teachers are paid according to the cost of living where they are teaching. However, the calculations for this system has not been changed in decades. Overall, the system that is currently in place only helps the privileged kids get access to more and more resources while the students who are impoverished get swept under the rug.
Hey Kassi! I really enjoyed reading your blog post this week. One thing I really liked that you included in your post was the comment about equality and equity. I definitely agree with you that some schools need more resources than others and if we are giving all schools the same exact things that does not mean each school will be equal. If you could change something within in the system, what would you do to help out? Is there something the government can put in place to help make schools equal?
ReplyDeleteGreat blog Kassi! I do agree that everyone sees that there needs to be a change in the finance status of public school systems, but when will this actually occur? Great addition to the blog as you added information from the articles from this module. Aliyya Swaby also mentions about tax rates. What are your thoughts on the robin hood or recapture phrase? Can you think of a better system of what to do with excess funding or do you think the system should be given what they need to prohibit any school district from obtaining excess funding and having to give it back. The article by Katherine Rose took a racial perspective whilst also incorporating finances. I was shocked about how the article mentioned that " less qualified" teachers are less equipped to handle situations of discipline. Not only is there a division between students and lack of resources to those who are seen as " less than", but also with the teachers. Why is this? How can this problem be solved? Every teacher should be able be educated and given the same resources or more if needed to be able to strengthen class management skills. Is this only due to finances or is there something more like a status and reputation sort of problem?
ReplyDeleteHi Kassi! I loved reading your blog, you brought up really interesting points! I know near where I live there a lot more communities being built and everything is booming, so I can totally relate there isn't really being a pay difference in those areas. I think from this we can really see how the difference in the areas of higher income, students are succeeding more because overall the teachers could be getting paid more in those areas. I also agree with how equity will be met if we out more funding into things like resources, but you didn't seem to include how equity can be met other than resources. What about the low income students who live in districts where they are funded, what can we do for those students? Overall, really great post, I think that you brought a lot of great points that I agreed with form this module.
ReplyDeleteHey Kassi! I completely agree with what you have to say about the funding of schools. I honestly am surprised sometimes when I hear about certain schools not having the same things other schools have. My school gave us iPads and computers and advanced calculators and it's weird to hear from other students that they didn't have that in their school. If they did they only had one of the things or maybe just something they would borrow. All schools should have the same opportunity to use all these items and be able to see how learning can be easier for them or even the cool things that could help them with the learning activities. Texas should give all students an opportunity to experience what some schools have rather it is simple or if you have to take away funding for the schools who have the most each school should have equal funding so we all have the same benefits and equal opportunity to education.
ReplyDeleteHi Kassi! I really loved reading your blog and your opinions were very interesting to read. I completely agree with your statement that there needs to be a major change within the finance department of schools but as well within the mindsets of teachers. It was very interesting to see how different schools are given different tools that may be useful to others as well. I think it should matter less about the school and its location and more about the benefit it could have on the students within it. Texas made the change to equal opportunities so that should be displayed within schools as well regardless of whether that child has money or not. Education has always been extremely important and something everyone strives to achieve so it should not be made into a bad thing. It is less about what a student comes from and more about how the student is going to grow.
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