Dive Brief:
- A new study by the Kansas Association of School Boards found that states with higher public education funding see better outcomes.
- Somehow, however, Kansas schools defy this reality with above-average scores and below-average education spending, according to KASB research specialist Ted Carter, who conducted the study.
- The study is a component in a larger report on efficiency in school spending and allocation of resources.
Dive Insight:
According to the study, a state's "total spending," including everything from teacher salaries to capital expenses and pension funding, has the greatest impact on educational outcomes — even more so than money spent directly on resources and instruction.
"Money well spent in public schools makes a difference," said Kansas University School of Education Dean Rick Ginsberg told the Lawrence Journal-World. "Whether it be to attract the best teachers and leaders, provide the strongest support materials, offer technology and tech support, allow for smaller classes, pay for classroom services, etc. More money definitely helps."
