What do school programs really cost? | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

In education systems, focusing more on core classes and allocating more resources to them can unintentionally result in lower spending per student compared to non-core classes due to differences in teacher salaries and attrition rates.

Key Insights

• 🏫 The emphasis on core classes (like algebra) over non-core classes (like pottery) led to a difference in resource allocation in a school, with more resources per student going to the core classes.
• 💼 Senior faculty members tend to prefer teaching non-core classes, while junior faculty members teach core classes. This can result in higher turnover and attrition in core math and science classes.
• 💵 The salary disparity between junior faculty teaching core classes and senior faculty teaching non-core classes can lead to a difference in per-student spending. Core classes may receive less funding per student compared to non-core classes.
• 📊 In one specific district, the higher per-pupil cost of instruction was more influenced by teacher salary differences than differences in class size. Non-core classes received higher per-student funding than core classes.
• ⚖️ Unless careful attention is given to how resources are accounted for and allocated, unintentional distortions can occur, resulting in less funding for core classes than intended.
• 📚 It is crucial to have granular data and clear reporting methods in order to accurately assess resource allocation and prevent unintended disparities in funding between different types of classes.
• 🎨 The example provided is not fictional; it demonstrates real disparities in resource allocation between core and non-core classes that can occur in school districts.
• 🏫 Resource allocation should be examined on a case-by-case basis, ensuring that core classes receive the necessary funding to provide students with opportunities for success in college and future careers.

Transcript

let's think about another example where if we're not careful about how we account for things we might end up with distortions in the system that are the exact opposite of what we're trying to achieve so let's imagine we're either the superintendent or maybe were the principal of a school and we think that a lot of emphasis that more resources shoul... Read More

Questions & Answers

Q: How can focusing on core classes result in lower spending per student compared to non-core classes?

Focusing on core classes can lead to disparities in teacher salaries and attrition rates. Junior faculty members teaching core subjects often earn less and have higher turnover rates, resulting in lower spending per student in these classes.

Q: Why do junior faculty members teaching core subjects earn less?

Junior faculty members teaching core subjects often have other career options due to their expertise in mathematics or sciences. Therefore, they may leave the teaching profession for higher-paying jobs in the private sector. This higher attrition rate leads to a larger proportion of junior faculty teaching core classes and earning lower salaries.

Q: How does the difference in teacher salaries impact resource allocation in education systems?

The difference in teacher salaries between core and non-core classes affects the amount of resources allocated per student. With lower salaries for junior faculty teaching core subjects, the per student spending in these classes can be significantly lower compared to non-core classes, even with a reduced student-teacher ratio.

Q: What is the importance of having granular data in resource allocation decisions?

Having granular data in resource allocation decisions allows administrators to identify unintended distortions in the system. It enables them to understand the discrepancies in spending per student and take corrective measures to ensure equitable allocation of resources between core and non-core classes.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Emphasizing core classes by allocating more resources and reducing student-teacher ratios can lead to unintended distortions in resource allocation.

• Junior faculty members, who are more likely to teach core subjects, tend to be paid less and have higher attrition rates.

• This can result in lower spending per student in core classes compared to non-core classes, undermining the intended goal of prioritizing core education.