Sample Solution

  Baker's research brief on the importance of adequate funding emphasizes that when considering equity and equality for students from low-income families and districts, a sufficient level of resources needs to be provided. This includes not just monetary funds, but also additional support such as qualified teachers and guidance counselors, up-to-date technology, and wraparound services. Baker asserts that these investments are essential in order to ensure all students, regardless of their socio-economic status or community background have access to quality education.

In terms of state education finance plans, some states do allocate additional funds to districts who service low-income communities in an effort to bridge the gap between wealthier student populations and those with lower incomes. These strategies typically involve targeting areas needing improvement such as teacher salaries or computer lab upgrades while simultaneously distributing extra resources where needed most within the district. In addition, some states have enacted policies like weighted student funding which focuses on providing more money directly into classrooms instead of relying solely on school or district wide budgets. If I were principal of a low performing school in a poverty stricken community I would use this unexpected $250k investment from my district’s discretionary budget primarily towards professional development opportunities for staff members along with implementing more wrap around services for our students and their families if needed. Studies show there is no greater return on investment than investing in educators; high quality professional development can help develop instructional skills which ultimately result in improved student outcomes (Gates Foundation). Therefore, I would allocate some portion towards creating an ongoing Professional Development program for teachers which encourages active classroom participation through hands on activities such as field trips focused around specific topics related to current curriculums so that real world connections can be made by both educator & student alike.. Additionally, I would use some portion towards hiring social workers whose primary focus is meeting the emotional needs of children living under economic duress or other hardships they may face outside the classroom environment; connecting them with necessary social services they need while helping reduce any potential learning barriers they may confront due to said stressors (USDOE). Finally another chunk could go towards increased technology infrastructure such as computers/laptops & tablets along with interactive teaching boards & other tools designed specifically for enhancing instruction within day-to-day lessons taking place inside classrooms (National Education Association). Overall this will increase access to educational materials while sparking creativity amongst students plus provide modernized tools allowing educators & administrators alike gain better insights into what works best when it comes educating them effectively during times of need thus resulting in improved performance levels being achieved overall throughout the duration life span one's schooling experience.