Equality, Equity, Adequacy

Equality – Every student has the same access to all programs.

     Examples:

1)    State funding for programs for all students; i.e., Math, Reading, etc.

2)    Local funding that is equal for each similar school regardless of their status; i.e., all elementary schools in the district get the same amount, etc.

Equity – A fair system that responds to the needs of the individual; i.e., state funding for special programs to meet the needs of all students.

     Examples:

1)    Compensatory funds for low SES students

2)    WADA funding for different groups

Adequacy – A school district that receives financial support sufficient to provide support for all programs and all students

     Examples:

1)    Total allocation of the state foundation program; i.e., when teacher salaries are too low, when textbook prices go up, etc.

2)  Tier I portion of the funding formula’s basic allotment: the cost of education adjustment and the small district adjustment