Syllabus

Master of Science in Education

EDU 709 – School Finance – Spring A 2016

Credits - 3

Description

The course traces the historical background and development of school finance acts, and examines the intent, concepts and relationship inherent in these acts. Processes by which state subsidies are computed, allocated and distributed are considered. Budget and expenditure practices in relation to these acts are illustrated. Emphasis is placed on helping students develop a clear conceptual understanding of the overall methods by which state aid is provided to local school systems. Readings, research, and other assignments are designed to acquaint students with school finance practices in their respective states and local school districts.

Materials

Learning Objectives and Outcomes

In our course we will explore the pursue the following objectives, all based on ISLLC standards:

1. Develop a basic understanding of the history of school finance in general in the United States (ISLLC standards 5, 6, Maine standards 9,10);
2. Develop an understanding of and skills in sound financial principles of developing, and managing system budgets (ISLLC standards 2, 3, Maine standard 10);
3. Demonstrate an understanding of how selected states support local public schools (ISLLC standard 6, Maine standards 7,10);
4. Understand the concepts of financial equity and adequacy as they relate to public schools (ISLLC standard 5, Maine standard 10);
5. Initiate investigations of current topics impacting school funding, such as, charter schools, vouchers, privatization, and the economic downturn (ISLLC standard 6, Maine standard 10); and,
6. Explore through research and work with a local mentor the process of developing and managing a local school budget (ISLLC standards 3, 4, 6, Maine standard 10).

Course Standards Note:

• “Maine Standards” refer to the teacher certification standards in the State of Maine.
• Interstate School Leader Licensure Consortium (ISLLC) Standards are used for UNE Education Leadership courses. Please refer to the ISLLC Standards within Course Resources.

Assignments

Threaded Discussion Requirements

Post a response to a question or problem presented in the weekly whole class or small group threaded discussion prompt. This post must be completed by the end of the day on Wednesday. The initial post must include at least one in-text citation and reference in APA format.

 

Small Group Wiki Post

Research your state’s Department of Education web site. Share the website address (URL) in the Webliography, located in the Wikis area of your Small Group, and make some observations.

 

State Finance Website Assignment

Write  a 500 – 1000 word report that summarizes the types of financial information contained on your state Department of Education website. Search the website for information regarding school finance. Your essay must be in APA format.

 

Financing Schools Assignment

Based on the course readings (Odden, Picus, and Roza) and discussions, write a 1000-1200 word essay in which you identify at least one major concept in school finance (equity, for example). Explain how the authors see this issue and how you see it at work in schools and districts today.

 

Budget Awareness Quiz

You will review school budget documents. You will then apply your skills at finding and using information in the provided school budgets.

 

Interview Report

During the first few weeks of the class, each class member must schedule an interview with the Superintendent or School Finance Officer (SFO) in their school or district to conduct an interview. If a Superintendent is not available, choose an Assistant Superintendent or Business Manager, as long as the official has significant responsibilities for developing and managing the budget. Use your gathered information from the interview to write a 1500 – 1700 word APA formatted report on your findings. The information you gather from this interview is designed to help you understand budgets and printouts so that you can do well in the upcoming assignment in the course.

 

Culminating Project (Part 1)  

School budgets are a key tool we use to move forward the educational agenda. In a 1500 word APA formatted essay, explain how you would use a budget and the budget building process to promote student learning and a positive culture in your school.

 

Culminating Project (Part 2)

You are to develop a budget for your school (actual or simulated) for the next school year using a spreadsheet. Once your budget is complete, compare your budget with an actual budget in use or being developed for the selected school or site. Submit via an attachment a copy of the budget you prepared along with your analysis of the differences between your version and the one actually in use or under consideration in the school system. The analysis may be written as a Word document or a PowerPoint presentation.

Grading Policy

Your grade in this course will be determined by the following criteria:

Grade Breakdown

Assignments	Total 100 Points
Discussion Boards (3 points each)	18 points
Small Group Wiki	3 points
State Website Essay	10 points
Financing Schools Essay	10 points
Budget Awareness Quiz	6 points
Interview Report	15 points
Culminating Project (Part 1)	8 points
Culminating Project (Part 2)	30 points

Grade Scale

Grade	Points Grade	Point Average (GPA)
A	94 – 100%	4.00
A-	90 – 93%	3.75
B+	87 – 89%	3.50
B	84 – 86%	3.00
B-	80 – 83%	2.75
C+	77 – 79%	2.50
C	74 – 76%	2.00
C-	70 – 73%	1.75
D	64 – 69%	1.00
F	00 – 63%	0.00