1. Hope Daniels
Final Project Outline
A)Intro- The social justice issue I have chosen to analyze in the issue of unequal funding in schools. This
unequal distribution of resources is a huge problem in the United States and has created many gaps in
student achievement. Impoverished schools are economically disadvantaged and have less funding
available to them leading to less opportunities for some of the neediest students and subsequently
perpetuating the cycle of poverty in the United States.
B) Current educational policy- “Public school funding in the United States comes from federal, state, and local
sources, but because nearly half of those funds come from local property taxes, the system generates large funding
differences between wealthy and impoverished communities. Such differences exist among states, among school
districts within each state, and even among schools within specific districts.” (Biddler, Berliner, 2002) The fact that
school funding is primarily based on local property taxes makes it very hard for low income schools to compete with
middle-upper class schools due to the funding inequalities that are present. These funding inequalities present many
problems for the students of these schools. With NCLB and the school choise vouchers that are now available to
parents, NCLB hopes to close the gap somewhat when it comes to funding inequalities. This solves the problem of
children being required to attend certain schools but it does not solve the fundamental problem of inequal funding for
low income neighborhood schools.
C)This issue is affecting education because it creates an unequal playing field for students due to no fault of their own
and reinforces the cycle of poverty that is already a problem in this country. Inequities in funding mean children who
are required to learn the same material and excel at the same pace as their middle-upper class peers when given
fewer resources leading to less opportunity and more difficulties for these students who are already disadvantaged
and living in poverty.
D) In order to address the issue of unequal funding for schools I would create a 100% equal distribution policy for
excess funds. First of all I would suggest that once all funding has been in place and is equal that remaining funds,
from middle-upper income schools be distributed equally amongst ALL SCHOOLS. This solves the problem of the
lower income schools not receiving enough funds, but it also means that upper class schools are not penalized just
for their parents being in a higher income bracket. This allows for an even playing field and a fair distribution of
resources amongst ALL Schools. Parents would understand that this would create a more equal playing field for all
students and would also give all students a chance to succeed regardless of the amount of money their parents
make. This should be something that all community members should be on board with because it is about creating a
more level society and playing field and allow all children to be successful and have access to the same opportunities
as children whose parents make more money. Administrative and leadership policies would remain the same and this
solution means that teacher and leadership salaries are not cut or altered. Teachers in all schools should receive
similar salaries and be required to have the same qualifications to ensure teacher quality is equal across the board as
well. Considering that testing is standardized across the board with NCLB it is my belief that funding should also be
equal across the board as well to give ALL students the best possible chance for success.
2. E) Barriers and solutions- I foresee some barriers from parents who feel “Their Money” should go to “their childrens
schools” this would be the hardest barrier to overcome but perhaps explaining that this is meant to help BREAK the
cycle of poverty by giving all children a chance at being successful. In the long run, the idea is, that this helps all
children to be successful and get out of poverty leading to more children graduating high school, going on to college,
establishing well paying jobs and NOT BEING ON WELFARE. Breaking the cycle of poverty, that has been
perpetuated by the classist society we live in, is something that is everyone’s responsibility because it something that
everyone has perpetuated (even without know it) for a very long time. We have to look at the long-term benefits to our
NATION if we can start breaking the cycle and closing the gap NOW. I do not really see teachers and administrators
objecting to this policy because it would not be making any changes to their salaries or anything like that. I see only
positive thoughts about his from educators, administrators and leadership.
F-As a nation it is easier to look away but Its time to open our eyes; if you are not are a part of the solution you are a
part of the problem. If you see a school that is still operating and yet it looks like it is falling apart, its probably
because it is. Be aware of what is going on in the schools in your city and state. If we want to surpass other nations
we have got to lead the way in breaking the cycle of poverty for our children. We all know there are going to be gaps
and people are going to make more or less than others but forcing our children to succumb to poverty because it is
“easier” than making a change is not fair to the children of tomorrow; these are our future leaders. We will only hurt
ourselves and the future of our country if we do not make the necessary changes now to give all children the
opportunity to succeed in school and beyond.
g- in conclusion, it is my belief that we, as Americans, have a social responsibility to help all children in this nation to
be successful not just the ones who come from middle class homes. All children deserve equal opportunity and do
not deserve to have fewer resources and less opportunity just because of the amount of money their parents make.
We must start to realize that our system is fundamentally flawed and will never allow our impoverished children to
grow or be successful. We must approach this as any other social issue and it begins with one small change. There
should not be unequal funding just because a school is in a low income neighborhood; all children should be give
equal opportunity to be successful and it all begins with one simple change we can do to help close the achievement
gap.
4. Luebchow, L. (2009, June). Retrieved from
http://www.newamerica.net/files/Equitable_Resources_in_Low_Income_Schools.pdf
("More Than 40% of Low-Income Schools Don't Get a Fair Share of State and Local Funds,
Department of Education Research Finds | U.S. Department of Education," 2011)
More Than 40% of Low-Income Schools Don't Get a Fair Share of State and Local Funds,
Department of Education Research Finds | U.S. Department of Education. (2011,
November). Retrieved from http://www.ed.gov/news/press-releases/more-40-low-income-
schools-dont-get-fair-share-state-and-local-funds-department-
Baker, Sciarra, & Farrie, 2010
Baker, B. D., Sciarra, D., & Farrie, D. (2010, September). Retrieved from
http://www.schoolfundingfairness.org/National_Report_Card.pdf
Biddle, B., & Berliner, D. (n.d.).(2002, May) Educational Leadership:Beyond Instructional
Leadership:Unequal School Funding in the United States. Retrieved from
http://www.ascd.org/publications/educational-leadership/may02/vol59/num08/Unequal-
School-Funding-in-the-United-States.aspx
5. “Public school funding in the United States comes from federal, state, and local sources, but because nearly half of
those funds come from local property taxes, the system generates large funding differences between wealthy
and impoverished communities. Such differences exist among states, among school districts within each state,
and even among schools within specific districts.” (Biddler, Berliner, 2002)
