The Changing Landscape of Funding Public Elementary and Secondary Education in the United States

Abstract

Funding of elementary and secondary education in the United States reflects a complex assortment of state constitutional mandates, federal laws, state statutes, and federal and state rules and regulations. The United States does not have a monolithic model of funding public schooling. In fact, in the past twenty years state legislatures have moved from the traditional public-school system to a model of funding three separate and distinct systems. These systems include the traditional system, a charter system, and a voucher system. The traditional system’s values are largely based on equity, fairness, and attempting to have a common set of educational experiences provided to all children on an equal footing. The charter system values innovation, experimentation, parental choice, and reduction of educational bureaucracy. The voucher system reflects values encompassing maximum parental choice, freedom of regulations, and individualism. Each system has its strengths and its weaknesses.