The Economics of Equity in K-12 Education

Having been an elementary, middle school, and high school teacher for many years, as well as now being a professor of education and a director of an elementary education program, I must say that the chapters edited for this volume successfully discuss a number of issues that have plagued our educational system for years. In doing so, the editors have offered previously dismissed and/or ignored perspectives the necessary space to share new possibilities in ameliorating the short-comings of such a system. Some of the ideas presented are not easy for educational leaders like myself to hear; yet, we must make room for them if we want to operate using a more holistic understanding of the complexities that frame and characterize our work. In short, this book is a must-have resource for anyone serious about educational policy, school administration, or classroom teaching.--Luciano Cid, assistant professor of education, Biola University; chair of the Brain, Neuroscience and Education SIG 14 (AERA); and interim director of Elementary Education and Online Multiple Subject Program This book is a comprehensive and timely record of historic and more recent interventions in education targeted at mitigating inequities and inequalities, which stem from both inadequate school funding and historical injustices in opportunities, especially for low-income families. I especially appreciated examples of successful programming which did not rely only on availability of funds but used other, evidence-based and robust interventions. This is an invaluable resource which covers a wide range of applications to improve outcome for learners--from early childhood to transition to adulthood--and appeals to a wide range of audiences. It could be especially valuable to those who are tasked with making decisions about the efficient allocation of limited resources: school districts administrators, school counselors, members of school boards, as well as decision-makers at a local, state and federal levels. I will definitely use it in my program evaluation and economics of education courses.--Margarita Pivovarova, Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College, Arizona State University This text synthesizes recent research in the economics of education, particularly focused on economic evaluation and program evaluation literature, with two new lenses--one focused on equity, and the other on systemic factors (things like teachers, data infrastructure, and choice) that moderate which policies are adopted and how--that provide a more unifying conceptual framework with considerations for policy than most such compendia of research.--Robert Shand, School of Education, American University Too much decision-making in education ignores evidence and data. The underlying theme of The Economics of Equity is that we know more about effective education than we are using. The systematic discussion of the various pieces of evidence in this book could potentially lead to significant improvements in educational outcomes. We can only hope that decision-makers take the messages of this book to heart.--Eric Hanushek, senior fellow, Hoover Institution of Stanford University This book rips the cover off the idea that just providing more money is what is needed--asserting that the money needs to be strategically targeted or those on the margins will continue to remain there. Going beyond surface fixes for various issues in providing equitable education, The Economics of Equity in P12 Education examines needed changes in policies affecting education and the very structure of education itself to maximize impact. If the playing field is ever going to be leveled and equitable education achieved, this is where educational policy makers must start.--Elizabeth Timmerman Lugg, JD, PhD, Illinois State University A review of the measurable impact of current, post-pandemic issues as they relate to financing K-12 education, this book covers a broad range of issues and endeavors to quantify the impact of each from a perspective that considers equity and financial success. The Economics of Equity in P12 Education has the potential to significantly inform practice in the public school sector.--Tammy T. White, assistant professor and director of the Master's Program in Educational Leadership, Winthrop University This volume will help education stakeholders and policy makers navigate promising, evidence-based policy options.--Sofoklis Goulas, senior research associate, CREDO at Stanford University America's schools face unprecedented challenges as a result of the pandemic and the decline in trust in schools and educators. This timely book provides a sober, research-based look at the evidence on what works in education and provides solid guidance on the work that is needed in the years ahead.--Raymond Domanico, Senior Fellow and Director of Education Policy, Manhattan Institute In today's public policy conversations, the word equity is all the rage. But all too often, equity serves as little more than a buzzword to cover highly ideological claims. Goldy Brown III's and Christos Makridis' book is quite different. By taking steady and unswerving aim at the research evidence on costs and benefits, they bring a level of concrete sensibility to a conversation that's sorely needed by policymakers.--Max Eden, research fellow, American Enterprise Institute (AEI) The struggle in education has always been how to provide a quality education that is both equitable and efficient. The Economics of Equity in P12 Education provides a first look at the key topics relative to this issue.--Craig A. Schilling, EdD, professor and program chair, Concordia University Chicago