Visualization: district spending adequacy profiles
This tool allows users to display and visualize K-12 spending adequacy for over 12,000 individual U.S. school districts in each year between 2009 and 2019 (updated estimates, including 2020 results, will be released in early 2023). Choose a district by selecting a state, district, and year, and then pressing the “apply” button. The visualization is separated into four tabs (click on a tab in the visualization to display):
- Spending adequacy: compare actual spending per-pupil in the selected district/year with the spending level required (i.e., adequate) to achieve national average test scores.
- Adequacy/outcomes: compare adequacy with the average testing outcomes in the selected district/year.
- Trends: examine the trend in the selected district’s funding adequacy (expressed in $ gaps) between 2009-19.
- Characteristics: display contextual district data, including Census poverty and student race/ethnicity.
All of the data in the visualization are from our District Cost Database (DCD). For more information about these measures, see the DCD user’s guide or check out this research brief. You can also download the full dataset.
Note: if you get an “unexpected error” message when attempting to load the Tableau visualization, try enabling third party cookies in your web browser.
Latest News
ANNUAL REPORT, STATE PROFILES, AND DATASET (FIFTH EDITION)
December 2022: Read the fifth edition of our annual report summarizing the national K-12 school finance situation, check out your state’s one-page profile, or download the full dataset.
Latest Annual Report
The Adequacy and Fairness of State School Finance Systems (fifth edition)
The fifth edition of our annual report presenting findings on effort, statewide adequacy, and equal opportunity in state school finance systems. Published December 2022.
Latest Research Briefs
State K-12 School Finance Profiles (2019-20 school year)
One-page profiles summarizing the most recent key results on K-12 effort, statewide adequacy, and equal opportunity for all 50 states and D.C. Download your state’s profile.