Budgeting for Personnel, Instruction, and Student Activities
General Instructions
Select an article relating to this topic to critique:
Budgeting for Personnel, Instruction, and Student Activities
Share a brief summary of the article and then share a paragraph or two on how the
funding issue(s) relate to “ensuring that each student has equitable access to effective
teachers, learning opportunities, academic and social support, and/or other resources
necessary for success” and how to “know, comply with, and help the school community
understand laws, policies, and regulations so as to promote student success”. (ASIL
3.3, 9.3, and 9.8). Use the 3-2-1 format to complete the critique (3 things you learned, 2 things you will implement, and 1 thing in which you have a question or critique.
Sample Solution
The article, "Budgeting for Personnel, Instruction, and Student Activities" by Justin Baer discusses the importance of budgeting for personnel, instruction, and student activities in order to ensure every student has equitable access to effective teachers and resources needed for success. The author advocates for a data-driven approach to budgeting allocations that utilizes performance indicators such as attendance or test scores in order to make accurate determinations regarding where funds should be allocated. He then goes on to suggest strategies that school leaders can use in advocating for necessary funding from their district.
Ensuring each student has equitable access to effective teachers, learning opportunities, academic and social support is an important responsibility of school administrators. To promote student success it is vital that school leaders know laws and policies related to education funding as well as understand how such regulations may impact school budgets. By utilizing the data-driven approach suggested by Baer—which focuses on allocating funds based off of performance indicators—school districts can ensure all students have equitable access regardless of zip code or community wealth because this method will ensure money flows into areas most needing additional resources. This will also help school staff members comply with legal requirements when it comes appropriate allocation of educational funds since they would have clear evidence based on performance indicators showing why a certain amount was being allocated towards personnel or instruction instead of another area within the district.
3 Things I Learned: 1) School districts should utilize data-driven approaches when making decisions about where funds should be allocated; 2) Performance indicator metrics are useful tools in determining which areas need more funding; 3) School leaders must understand laws and policies when it comes to education funding so they can properly advocate for necessary funds from their district.
2 Things I Will Implement: 1) Utilize performance indicator metrics when making decisions about which areas need additional resources; 2) Spend time familiarizing myself with current legislation related to education funding in my district so I'm able to accurately advocate/advise other administrators on best practices moving forward.
1 Thing I Have Questions About/Critique: With tight budgets becoming increasingly common among schools districts across the country due too economic downturns or political issues at play (i.e., lack of public support), what suggestions does the authors provide around how schools could still fund these initiatives without sacrificing other essential programs?