Early Successes of Student-Based Funding Show Promise in Reducing Inequities and Boosting Achievement
As school districts across the nation increasingly adopt student-based funding models, early evidence suggests these reforms are making a tangible difference in educational equity and student performance. This approach allocates resources directly based on individual student needs, marking a shift from traditional school funding methods that often rely on district-wide budgets. Student-based funding, also known as “per-pupil funding,” assigns specific dollars to each student, with additional support for those with greater needs such as disabilities, English language learners, or students from low-income backgrounds. Advocates argue that this targeted approach ensures that resources follow students rather than staying tied to individual












