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Variation is the Norm: A Landscape Analysis of Weighted Student Funding Implementation

Author

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  • Marguerite Roza
  • Katherine Hagan
  • Laura Anderson

Abstract

School districts increasingly rely on weighted student funding (WSF), yet there is little research on this allocation model. This study collects more than 70 measures on each of 19 districts using WSF in 2018 for a landscape analysis of formula features and implementation practices. While districts report common reasons for adopting WSF (equity, flexibility, and transparency), we find no standard WSF model. Homegrown formulas and nonformula features and exemptions reflecting local context are the norms, resulting in substantial differences. Nearly all districts continue to budget with average salaries (likely limiting equity) but grant principals flexibility on staffing, stipends, and contracts.

Suggested Citation

  • Marguerite Roza & Katherine Hagan & Laura Anderson, 2021. "Variation is the Norm: A Landscape Analysis of Weighted Student Funding Implementation," Public Budgeting & Finance, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 41(1), pages 3-25, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:pbudge:v:41:y:2021:i:1:p:3-25
    DOI: 10.1111/pbaf.12276
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Helen F. Ladd & Edward B. Fiske, 2008. "Handbook of Research in Education Finance and Policy," Education Finance and Policy, MIT Press, vol. 3(1), pages 149-150, January.
    2. William G. Ouchi, 2006. "Power to the Principals: Decentralization in Three Large School Districts," Organization Science, INFORMS, vol. 17(2), pages 298-307, April.
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    Cited by:

    1. Ismail, I. & Stam, P.J.A. & Portrait, F.R.M. & van Witteloostuijn, A. & Koolman, X., 2024. "Addressing unanticipated interactions in risk equalization: A machine learning approach to modeling medical expenditure risk," Economic Modelling, Elsevier, vol. 130(C).
    2. Chun Sing Maxwell Ho, 2023. "Unpacking the Principal Strategies in Leveraging Weighted Student Funding," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(16), pages 1-20, August.

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