In the wake of the 2007 housing crash and subsequent economic recession, state legislatures across the country faced substantial declines in revenues, and by 2011, for the first time in more than a decade, average spending on education declined. However, states' budgetary responses to the Great Recession were decidedly uneven, with some making…

Ongoing federal efforts support equalizing access to experienced educators for low-income students and students of color, thereby narrowing the "teacher experience gap." I show that while high-poverty and high-minority schools have larger class sizes and receive less funding nationally, school districts allocate resource equitably, on…

Critically examines current education reform, based on a 50-state survey. Studies state legislation passed since 1983 and investments in 1988 reforms in the context of current educational issues, highlighting areas for further research. Presents data on special populations. Future reforms will be cast in response to present-day emphases. Funding…