In a 2015 survey, the Public Affairs Research Council of Alabama (PARCA) found that two-thirds of respondents said they believe too little is spent on public education and additionally that those funds are not spent properly. 

Alabama needs to modernize its school funding model to ensure that all students receive the resources and support they need in the classroom.  Currently, Alabama uses the Foundation Program, which is a resource-based funding model that does not take into account that there are student groups with more needs than others, like students living in poverty, students who speak English as a second language, and students with special needs.

It’s also critically important to recognize that simply more money won’t raise student achievement. Schools and districts should be using student data, like formative assessment scores and attendance, to understand how effectively they are spending their funding.

In order to ensure that all Alabama students receive an education that fully prepares them for college, career, and life, schools must receive equitable funding and spend these funds wisely on practices & programs that move the needle for student achievement.