Improving transparency in K-12 public schools with a “Public School Transparency Act”
INTRODUCTION
A new survey by the Gallup organization shows a decline in the number of Americans who are satisfied with K-12 education. More than 65% say their concerns are about curriculum, while 28% say a lack of resources and 17% say political concerns.
Increasing spending on K-12 public schools hasn’t improved outcomes, nor has it increased faith in the system that, in most states, makes up roughly 50% of the budget.
Restoring confidence in K-12 schools will not be easy after years of COVID shutdowns and the behavior of some teachers’ unions and school boards. However, lawmakers do have the ability to improve transparency and give parents and taxpayers a clearer understanding of what is happening in public schools.
-
More than half of Americans now say they are dissatisfied with K-12 education
-
Americans spend, on average, $15,000 per student, per year on K-12 public education
-
Idaho has increased state education spending roughly 90% in seven years
-
Results from the NAEP and the ISAT show students still struggling in English, reading and math
-
A Public School Transparency Act would require school districts to make budget information easier to understand