The Shift from Equity to Adequacy in School Finance

Abstract

A shift is occurring in school finance from equity to adequacy, and from emphasis on inputs to emphasis on high minimum outcomes as the goal of both educational policy and finance. A true adequacy model is emerging, a system of school finance that links resources to outcomes to ensure all students receive an adequate level of education. Implementing true adequacy would require each district to adopt a set of high minimum goals, identify resources necessary for attaining those goals, and have a long-range investment plan for deploying the resources and developing the corresponding instructional program. The money needed to implement true adequacy would be roughly $5,000 per pupil. Given the number of students in high-poverty districts across the country, the total package would come to $25 billion nationwide.