Most states continue to shortchange poor and minority students by failing to fairly fund the schools they attend, according to a new report released today by The Education Trust.

In 36 states, the highest-poverty school districts receive less money than the lowest-poverty districts when we account for what school funding experts say is the extra cost of educating low-income students. Nationwide, the disparity exceeds $1,300 per student.

“While some states rightfully have focused their attention on equitably funding their school districts, others have done little to close their funding gaps, and some gaps have grown even larger,” said Kevin Carey, senior policy analyst and author of the report. “Once again, we see that the students who need the most get the least.”

The Education Trust report also points out that money alone won’t close gaps in student achievement.

“Closing these gaps demands that state policymakers give poor and minority students more of everything that we know students need: challenging curriculum, qualified teachers, high expectations, regular assessments to ensure all children are learning – and yes, money,” said Kati Haycock, director of The Education Trust.

“We have set ambitious goals, and we need to support those goals by making sure that the schools serving poor and minority students get their fare share,” she said. “But we can’t lose sight of the fact that many educators are moving ahead and working to raise achievement for all students with the resources they have.

“They are proving every day that all children can be taught to high levels.”

The study examines K-12 funding provided by state and local governments. Those jurisdictions, rather than the federal government, control more than 90 percent of the money that schools receive.

Full report in PDF

¶ 10:53 PM