Research for Action’s Post

📊 Our "State of Inequity" report highlights a critical inequity in Pennsylvania's education system: school districts with the most significant funding gaps are also serving the highest concentrations of students with the greatest needs. This means that the districts with the fewest resources are tasked with educating a disproportionate number of students facing economic disadvantage, homelessness, special education needs, and English language learning. Here's what we found: ✅ 𝐄𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐜 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐚𝐝𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐞: Districts with very high funding gaps enroll an average of 70% economically disadvantaged students, compared to 34% in districts with no funding gap. ✅𝐇𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬: Rates of student homelessness also increase in districts with greater funding shortfalls. ✅ 𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐄𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: While disparities are smaller, districts with very high gaps serve a higher percentage of students receiving special education (19.7%) and those requiring high-cost special education services (11.3%). ✅𝐄𝐧𝐠𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐡 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬: English learners are also concentrated in the most inadequately funded school districts. These findings underscore the urgent need for equitable funding solutions in Pennsylvania. When schools lack adequate resources, it directly impacts their ability to provide the necessary support for students who need it most. What can be done? This is a complex issue, but it requires action from policymakers, communities, and advocates. See our recommendations: https://lnkd.in/ds7GpHuT