Title: In pursuit of equity
Description: Since the passage of No Child Left Behind in 2002, public schools have been held accountable like never before for producing gains in student achievement. Districts nationwide must ensure that all students, regardless of race, ethnicity or socioeconomic status, meet annual proficiency targets in reading and mathematics. Consequently, many are attempting to distribute their financial and human resources equitably rather than equally, so that those students with greater needs receive a greater share of district services. Research within the last decade has established that those districts with higher populations of English Language Learners, low-income and special education students often require additional resources to ensure the achievement of all students district-wide. As a result, researchers and practitioners have begun to distinguish between "equal" and "equitable" distribution of resources as a way to ensure that those students needing more support receive it. In this case study of a mid-sized, urban-suburban school district in the Pacific Northwest, I explore the challenges of equitable resource distribution and address the question of whether districts can ensure higher levels of achievement for all students by differentiating resources based on student needs.

The findings suggest that such differentiation can result in improved outcomes for students who have traditionally struggled. What is less clear, however, is whether higher test scores are enough to convince families to send their children to schools with diverse demographics. While further study is needed to determine how sustainable a policy of equitable resource distribution is, this research has implications for district leaders to consider now. First, district initiatives will only be successful and sustainable if they are district-driven and building-owned. This means that the superintendent must have a clear, strong vision for change, but involve principals meaningfully in forming and implementing that vision so that it is owned at the building level. Second, district leaders must be able to leverage state and federal policy so that it neither drives nor supplants the district's own priorities. Finally, authentic engagement of all stakeholders is critical to building a broad base of support for any change, particularly one that involves redistribution of resources.
Subjects: Education, Finance, Educational accountability, Case studies, Economic aspects, School management and organization
Places: United States