The evidence-based approach

Central to any discussion about improving school funding is the issue of how much money schools need. How much does it cost to provide an adequate education for Ohio's children? What are the components of an adequate education? And how do we ensure that money for schools funds those components?

To create an effective school funding system — one that helps create safe, nurturing learning environments that challenge children to achieve — Ohio needs a systematic approach that ties dollar amounts to proven teaching methods.

Using the evidence

The evidence-based approach to costing out an adequate education identifies effective programs and practices to determine what works to improve student performance, selecting only methods that are supported by solid research evidence or best practices. Designed by Allan Odden and Lawrence Picus, it has been adopted in Arkansas and Kentucky.

The evidence-based approach employs teams of state policymakers as well as education leaders and practitioners to review the recommendations about effective programs and tailor them to the unique conditions, cultures, desires and requirements of a particular state.

Strategies that work

Evidence-based studies have identified some strategies that work, including:

a rigorous curriculum program
intensive professional development including school-based instructional coaches
strategies to help struggling students, including as the first intervention individual and small-group tutoring and followed up with academically focused extended-day and summer school programs for some students
class sizes of 15 in grades K-3

The approach also has found that successful schools:

use data to drive decision making, including state tests and curriculum-focused, formative assessments
engage teachers in collaborative work centered on the instructional program
establish a professional school culture
orchestrate efforts at the district, school and teacher leader levels toward improving the academic achievement of every student

Four key aspects of funding reform

The evidence-based approach has identified four aspects of funding adequacy.

Identify what it takes to dramatically improve student performance. We believe educators have sufficient information to be specific about this, with our evidence-based model a good summary of that evidence.
Cost out those strategies. The evidence-based model offers a solid place to start, providing states with what currently is the most reasonable adequacy cost estimate. States would be smart to start with this level of resources and make sure this amount is used effectively before adding more resources.
Surround any school finance reform based on an adequacy study with a sharp accountability system. This would hold students, teachers, schools and districts appropriately accountable for results, so that there is at least some pressure, other than local discretion, to use resources for the most effective strategies.
Establish some constraints to ensure that schools use key resources as part of a strategy to double student performance. These resources can include instructional coaches, tutors and formative assessments for data-based decision making.

Ohio funding and you

Where's the evidence?

The evidence-based funding model directs resources to successful practices. Current research and resources behind the model are compiled here.

Public reaction to education reforms

A poll conducted shortly after Gov. Ted Strickland announced hs education reform plan found clear support for such measures as all-day kindergarten, a residency program for teachers, lower teacher-student ratios in the early grades, broader graduation requirements, more emphasis on skills such as teamwork and problem-solving, and giving districts more authority to fire underperforming teachers.