Equality,+Equity,+&+Adequacy


 * Equality, Equity, & Adequacy**

Three important factors to consider while examining school finance are equality, equity, and adequacy. Definitions provided by the interview with Dr. Robert Nicks (EDLD 5342, Lecture Notes, Week 1, page 7-8).

Equality refers to the standard that all students have access to the same type of basic educational program. One could consider the basic course offerings and curriculum standards to gain an understanding of equality. In order to acheive equality, a student could transfer to any school in the state and receive the same basic education. They would have access to the same basic curriculum and course offerings. All schools are funded at a level in order to provide the same basic education. This also includes same number of instructional days, and funding course offerings based on the state mandated TEKS.
 * Equality**

Equity, on the other hand, refers to the system being fair and responding to the needs of the individual. It refers to the fair or equal distribution of resources after taking into account school characteristics and student differences. Equity funding refers to funds that are provided for special programs such as special education, advanced career and technology education, bilingual, gifted and talented, compensatory education, and public education grants. Special funding is provided in order to meet the needs of students with these special educational needs. In addition, it deals with compensatory funding that deals with needs and services for economically disadvantaged student population.
 * Equity**

Adequacy refers to the funding needed for schools to meet the state accredidation standards. Schools are adequately funded when they are able to meet the state standards for accredidation. Difficulty arises because of the unique characteristics of students and districts when accredidation requirements are tied to test results. Equity in funding does not assure equal results. Adequacy funding deals with equalizing teachers' salary levels and providing funding for increases in textbook costs.
 * Adequacy**

**//  Examples: 1. Equal funds for educational programs that benefit all students //** **//  in reading, math and other basic courses. //** **//  2. All students must attend school for the same number of days. //**  **// Equity means that the system is fair and responds to the needs of the individual. //** **//  Examples: 1. Special program allocations //** **//  2. Gifted and Talented Education //**  **// Adequacy means that the school district receives financial support sufficient to meet state accreditation standards. //** **//  Examples: 1. State Foundation Program //** **//  2. Legislature addressing issues such as low teacher salaries and //** **//  an increase in textbook prices. //**  **Carlos**  ||
 * **// Equality means every student has the same access to the same type of basic educational program. //**

The key component when addressing adequacy is not to focus all the attention on the money, but on the results a campus is seeing as a result of how funding is being spent. The schools must use funds to support sound, research based programming. If a campus or district is not making sound financial decisions, more money is not the answer to low performance.