Costing out: Support increased funding for Pennsylvania's public schools!

On Nov. 14, the State Board of Education unveiled the results of a statewide costing-out study on Pennsylvania's public education system.

The costing-out analysis found that $12,057 is the average level of funding required to ensure that every student reaches state standards of academic achievement. The study identified a base cost per student of $8,003 and the additional funding needed to close the achievement gap for students in poverty, English language learners and children with special needs. The base cost amount was also adjusted to further close the resource gap for districts that are growing, rural or faced with other educational challenges. Overall, the study found, 474 out of 501 school districts in Pennsylvania are currently spending below their adequacy levels, and Pennsylvania's system of public education is underfunded by $4.61 billion (26.8 percent more than current spending).

The Pennsylvania study reinforces the assertion made by education advocates that too many schools districts in Pennsylvania are not receiving the funding needed to ensure that students receive a high quality education.

Tell your state legislators to stand up for children and public education by supporting increased state funding in the 2008-09 state budget.