Unequal Opportunities: Education Funding Policy and the Achievement Gap

Over sixty years have passed since the historic ruling in Brown v. Board of Education to end racial segregation in public schools, and yet educational inequality between minority and White students continues to be a problem... [ view full abstract ]

Over sixty years have passed since the historic ruling in Brown v. Board of Education to end racial segregation in public schools, and yet educational inequality between minority and White students continues to be a problem facing the United States. The quantitative measurement of this inequality – the achievement gap – has been the subject of much research, discussion, and debate. The existing literature offers excellent insights on the subject and yet presents the question: “why have some states been more successful than others in closing the achievement gap?” Although researchers have identified many potential variables, the focus of this study is on the impact of unequal distribution of educational resources in public schools, as it in turn has the potential to affect nearly every other factor. This study looks both at national data and examines six case studies closely to pinpoint specific factors that are either having a decidedly negative influence or a markedly positive effect on closing the racial achievement gap. The national data mask considerable variation at the state and local level, and this variation necessitates further study, as it could hold potential solutions to the pervasive issue of educational inequality.