Question 1

The shift from categorical grants to block grants in the 1980s resulted in

Accepted Answer

The shift from categorical grants to block grants in the 1980s resulted in funding decisions shifting from the federal level to the state level. Block grants give states more discretion and flexibility in how they spend federal funds, whereas categorical grants come with stricter requirements for how the funds are used.

Question 2

Your state is trying to implement a hotly contested new finance plan that would transfer funds from wealthy districts to poor ones.Those who support the plan probably base their arguments on which of the following issues?

Accepted Answer

Supporters of the plan likely argue for equity, aiming to ensure fair distribution of resources across districts regardless of wealth.

Question 3

When parents send their children to private schools, tuition tax credits would

Accepted Answer

Tuition tax credits allow parents to reduce their taxable income by the amount of tuition paid, effectively providing a tax deduction for part of the tuition costs.

Question 4

As the proportion of people over sixty-five increases, it is likely that there will be

Accepted Answer

As the proportion of people over sixty-five increases, there is likely to be increasing resistance to school budget increases because older populations are often on fixed incomes and may prioritize spending differently than younger populations with school-aged children.

Question 5

The No Child Left Behind requirement that teachers be highly qualified is frustrating to state and local school authorities because

Accepted Answer

The answer of The No Child Left Behind requirement that...

Question 6

Additional taxes that can be applied to education include

Accepted Answer

The answer of Additional taxes that can be applied to...

Question 7

Teachers and administrators are being held accountable for their actions because of pressure primarily from

Accepted Answer

Parents are often the primary stakeholders who exert pressure on teachers and administrators to ensure accountability in education, as they are directly concerned with the quality of education their children receive.

Question 8

The largest portion of revenue for the schools is generated from _____________________.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The largest portion of revenue for the...

Question 9

Districts with a high number of students with special needs would lobby for state educational funding based on the

Accepted Answer

The weighted student plan allocates more funds for students with special needs, making it beneficial for districts with a high number of such students.

Question 10

Currently, ____________states have sales tax that contributes to the public school system.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Currently, ____________states have sales tax that contributes...

Question 11

The school infrastructure consists of the

Accepted Answer

The school infrastructure refers to the physical facilities of the school, including buildings, grounds, and equipment. It does not refer to community support, personnel in the state department of education, or tax base.

Question 12

Many state courts have ruled that inequities in educational expenditures in districts throughout the state are

Accepted Answer

Many state courts have determined that inequities in educational expenditures are unconstitutional, as they violate the principle of equal protection under the law. This means that states must work to address these inequities and ensure that all students have access to a quality education regardless of their zip code. The sales tax may contribute to funding disparities, but it is not the root cause of the problem, nor is it the solution.

Question 13

Research data on student performance in large and small classes indicates that student performance is

Accepted Answer

Research generally indicates that student performance tends to be better in small classes due to more personalized attention and interaction with instructors.

Question 14

School financing arrangements are most vulnerable to being declared unconstitutional in

Accepted Answer

A substantial difference in districts' average spending per student can be seen as unequal and potentially discriminatory, which could violate the Equal Protection Clause of the Constitution. This has been the basis for previous court cases regarding school financing arrangements. The other options do not necessarily present constitutional issues.

Question 15

State court decisions affecting financial support of public education have sent the message that

Accepted Answer

State court decisions have consistently held that the level of financial support for public education does make a difference in the quality of education provided, and that discrepancies in funding between districts can have a significant impact on students' opportunities and outcomes. While federal intervention may be a possibility in extreme cases of funding discrepancies, the primary responsibility for ensuring adequate funding for public schools lies with individual states.

Question 16

Given the history of federal funding of education, it is most accurate to say that

Accepted Answer

Throughout history, federal funding of public education has been tied to specific projects or legislative efforts, such as the desegregation of schools or improving academic achievement. It has not been a consistent form of financial support for all public schools. States do have the ability to refuse federal funding, but it is often tied to meeting certain requirements or expectations set by the federal government.

Question 17

One of the increasing trends in funding for education is the growth of the ___________ population, who may no longer have a vested interest in increasing taxes for school.

Accepted Answer

Senior citizens often have fixed incomes and may not have direct ties to the school system, leading to less support for tax increases for education funding.

Question 18

The purpose of educational vouchers is to

Accepted Answer

The purpose of educational vouchers is to provide a choice of schools for students, allowing them to use the voucher to attend a private or public school of their choice, rather than being limited to their assigned public school. This is seen as a way to increase competition and improve the quality of education overall.

Question 19

Taxpayer resistance has called for educators to be more

Accepted Answer

Taxpayer resistance often leads to demands for greater accountability in the use of public funds, including the success of educational programs.

Question 20

Recent reform efforts in school funding, such as tuition tax credits, voucher plans, and choice plans, are evidence that

Accepted Answer

Recent reforms in school funding, such as tuition tax credits, voucher plans, and choice plans, aim to introduce competition among schools. This way, parents can identify and support the best schools, and have more control over where their children go to school. These reforms have gained public support, which suggests that people believe in the benefits of competition among schools, and recognize the need for more choice and flexibility in education. It does not necessarily imply that private schools are inherently better than public schools or that no tax plan is fair.

Quiz 8: Financing Public Education