In Brown v. Board of Education (1954), the U.S. Supreme Court said "it is
doubtful that any child may reasonably be expected to succeed in life if he is
denied the opportunity of an education. Such an opportunity, where the state
has undertaken to provide it, is a right which must be made available to all on
equal terms." However, the Court later held in San Antonio v. Rodriguez (1973)
that education is not considered a "fundamental right" protected by the federal
constitution. Instead, education is a responsibility of the state governments,
who also have the primary responsibility for funding it. As one result, the
quality of public education, and level of funding for public education, varies
widely even within a state.
This unit explores the question of equity in public education funding for K-12
students. It provides a historical context for public education in America: how
equality of education has been understood, and the ways in which states have
been permitted to fund it. In addition, it introduces the idea of public
policy-what it is and how to assess its costs and benefits.
Focus Questions
Should the following amendment to the Constitution of the United States be
adopted?
"All persons eighteen years of age or younger shall enjoy the right to a public
education of equal high quality. The Congress shall have the power to enforce
this article by appropriate legislation."
Should the Illinois General Assembly enact a law committing the State to fund
public education before all other state programs?
Objectives
Provide a historical and public policy context for equity public education
funding.
Introduce a working definition of public policy.
Supply policy analysis tools.
Promote recognition of the impact of public policy and how to affect policy
decisions.
Develop and support a reasoned position on equity in public education funding.
Materials
A. Reading: Equity in Public Education Funding
B. Activity: When Does Equal Mean the Same?
C. Sources: Education, State of Illinois
D. Strategy: Looking at Public Policy: GRADE
E. Activity: Legislative Hearings on Equity in Public Education Funding
F. Taking a Stand: Position Paper on Equity in Public Education Funding
Equity in Public Education Funding: Selected Resources
Last updated: September 15, 2006
Please forward all inquiries regarding the website to
webmaster@crfc.org
.
This website is provided courtesy of the Constitutional Rights
Foundation
Chicago. Copyright 1998-2006.