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Key takeaways:
✔️ From outdated formulas to shrinking enrollment, there are several reasons behind K-12 funding challenges.
✔️ Select the right tools that align with your district’s goals and make a positive impact in classrooms.
✔️ Invest in technology that’s not only cost-effective but also easy to implement and easy for teachers to use.
At the crux of most challenges our nation’s K-12 districts face today is funding. Everything from technology gaps and overcrowded classrooms to staffing shortages and poor academic performance tie back to financial constraints on the educational system. Unfortunately, reduced K-12 education funding leaves leaders few choices besides cutting budgets. This in turn impacts programs, staffing and other critical resources, leading to a downward spiral that sooner or later impacts student learning outcomes.
School leadership faces a constant juggling game to ensure that their investments align with district priorities and long-term goals. Technology can help fill gaps and lessen the blow for schools, especially those most affected by funding shortages. If chosen wisely, that is.
Here is a step-by-step guide to making informed decisions that maximize your school’s technology investments and promote a thriving learning environment
Understanding our rapidly shifting K-12 funding landscape
Why school districts are losing funding is a big question that warrants a bit of explanation. Several multi-layered factors play into today’s unstable funding landscape. Here are four issues currently impacting K-12 funding:
- Declining enrollment
- Expiration of pandemic relief funds
- State funding formulas and priorities
- Shifting policies that affect education
Declining enrollment
Declining enrollment affects K-12 schools in many areas throughout the nation. State funding that is allocated on a per-pupil basis decreases proportionally as fewer students attend a given public school. Behind smaller enrollment numbers are declining birth rates and families moving away from certain areas. Per-pupil funding structures are common to most states and have historically been tracked.
Expired federal pandemic relief funding
Recent contributors to school district funding challenges include expiration of federal pandemic relief funds. Earmarked to help schools navigate the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, this money allowed for new staff and expanded programs at schools. Unfortunately, since these funds were finite and temporary, many districts are now being left with budget shortfalls.
Outdated funding formulas and priorities
At the state and local levels, fund distribution is an ongoing issue. Many states operate with outdated funding formulas that have been criticized for not adequately reflecting the current needs of schools and communities, such as school funding based on local property tax income. This has been shown to create educational inequities detrimental to many of the nation’s students. Other examples include state legislation that shifts spending priorities within the education sector such as from public education to private school choice programs and cities that divert funds away from education.
Shifting policy affecting education
Recent governmental shifts on the federal level are variables that threaten funds for certain programs and resources. From funding freezes and new policies to shut downs and even the changing role of the federal government, these changes are unpredictable and could potentially reduce funding throughout the education system.
Respond proactively to shifting financial landscape
In response to funding shifts, technology directors and principals at public, private and charter schools throughout the US are looking to technology to support learning for their students. When considering edtech funding allotment, schools are encouraged to weigh the potential for enhanced student engagement, improved learning outcomes and overall impact on the educational environment.
A comprehensive assessment of the long-term cost and learning benefits associated with technology should precede any budget reallocation. Start by analyzing data to pinpoint areas where resources are being depleted. This helps ensure that investments go where they make the most impact.
While the general consensus is to do more with less, be on the lookout for situations where short-term savings may inadvertently lead to higher costs in the long run. This includes instances where outdated technology results in lost instructional time or diminished instructor morale.
Vet edtech tools for cost-efficiency
When considering technology purchases, being intentional and data-driven is a smart move. One misguided purchase can end up draining valuable resources including staff time and IT hours. Not only does this increase a school’s financial burdens, it also negatively impacts student outcomes.
While exploring school technology options, the quality of learning that can be delivered with the tool is a good gauge. The definition of high-quality learning may vary depending on district or school objectives. For the vast majority of budget-conscious districts it makes sense to choose tools that:
- Promote instruction and learning.
- Are easy for teachers to use.
- Are easy for IT to implement and manage.
- Do more with less.
Tools that promote instruction and learning
How can a tool actually promote learning? To begin with, tools that are designed to be versatile can be adapted to the specific needs of a school or classroom. This supports K-12 educators in engaging students in the learning process as they provide digital instruction.
Good education relies on teachers reaching students, regardless of their level or special learning requirements.
Hāpara offers classroom management tools designed to facilitate a focused and productive online learning environment for all students. These tools seamlessly integrate with Google Workspace for Education apps, such as Docs, Slides, Drawings, and Sheets as well as with Microsoft 365 and Microsoft Edge.
Engage students while preparing them for future challenges
To debunk a common misconception, involving students in intriguing lessons is not mutually exclusive to preparing them to be competitive. Take one critical aptitude highly sought by employers across industries, namely collaboration. By building lessons into the curriculum that encourage collaboration, teachers help set students up for the future and foster a dynamic and enjoyable present. Classroom strategies like organizing students into project groups based on shared interests or goals make learning more compelling and subject matter stickier.
A versatile tool like Hāpara Teacher Dashboard makes it easy for teachers to manage groups in the classroom. For example, educators can use the Share Files feature to share group instructions with groups of learners.
Empower teachers with adaptable instructional tools
Empowering teachers with the ability to tailor their instructional tools to individual classroom needs helps them create a more effective learning environment. This adaptability allows educators to create more dynamic interactions that are pertinent to learners and take into account diverse learning styles.
Expect a ripple effect when teachers have effective tools to support their students to thrive in the classroom. An increase in teacher satisfaction is one outcome that can factor into preventing teacher attrition, along with its costly financial and emotional consequences.
According to research statistics, the massive loss of teachers is the most influential factor within schools that affects student learning. For leadership, finding ways to streamline workloads and protect teachers’ valuable resources of time is more critical than ever.
Easy-to-use tools in classrooms
Tools that are easy for teachers to use are intuitive and help save time, money, and headaches. This translates into a smoother, more pleasant school environment, whereas clunky, problematic technology can add to challenges.
For instance, teachers have praised Hāpara for its ease of use and its transformative impact on classroom management. The ability to efficiently manage technology in the classroom is a game-changer, allowing teachers to focus on instruction and student engagement.
Cost-free training for educators
Given that a significant percentage of educators struggle to fully utilize technological resources due to a lack of training, providing easy-to-access training for teachers is a game changer for schools. By offering proper training and ongoing support, edtech companies empower educators to effectively leverage the tools they offer. This serves schools three-fold by creating a better learning experience for students, peace of mind for educators, and IT cost savings for administrators.
Hāpara, for instance, offers stackable training options that fit into busy schedules. Educators can quickly complete Learning Bytes courses and immediately apply their new skills in the classroom. These courses provide a clear understanding of Hāpara features and how to use them to create a more engaging and safe digital environment for learners. The flexibility of these courses allows educators to learn at their own pace, making it easier to integrate new tools into their teaching practices. For example, in just an hour and a half, teachers can learn how to use Hāpara Highlights to develop digital classroom management skills, build learners’ digital citizenship skills, and provide personalized support to learners online.
Secure and focused classrooms on a budget
Despite budget constraints, schools can still provide secure and focused learning environments that foster student success. Hāpara’s educational management software assists schools in establishing a classroom atmosphere that promotes both student and teacher success.
To maximize instructional time and provide secure online learning opportunities, many schools turn to Hāpara Highlights.
Teachers can direct students to specific websites for engagement with learning resources while simultaneously preventing access to distracting sites. Real-time visibility into students’ online activities within the Google Chrome browser empowers educators to guide students in practicing responsible digital citizenship.
Key functionalities of Hāpara Highlights include:
- Opening and closing tabs to maintain student focus.
- Creating guided browsing sessions to direct students to relevant resources.
- Sending instant announcements and formative feedback to students.
- Recording snapshots of browsing progress for assessment.
The Hāpara Teacher Dashboard further enhances classroom management by displaying each student’s most recent Google files. This allows teachers to quickly assess individual and group progress on class activities, freeing up valuable time for meaningful instruction and personalized support.
Educators can use both Highlights and the Teacher Dashboard to provide differentiated support. Insight into students’ digital learning process allows educators to offer direct and timely formative feedback. They can communicate with students to help them understand areas for improvement and accelerate their academic progress.
Easy-to-manage tools from an IT standpoint
Technology investments should adapt to the current needs of schools and districts. One universal need is easy implementation and management for IT technology teams. In light of changing enrollment numbers, cloud-based tools such as Hāpara are scalable which makes them an efficient option despite uncertainty.
Another effective way for schools to manage budgets is through technology subscriptions. These provide access to quality software and educational tools without the burden of a large upfront capital investment. Subscriptions often allow schools to break down costs into regular, predictable payments, often price-locked within a contract, making financial planning more manageable.
One key advantage of technology subscriptions is that edtech companies regularly provide product upgrades and automatic updates. This ensures that schools are always equipped with the latest features and functionalities including those providing up-to-date cybersecurity. Having ongoing enhancements without having to pay extra for them or seek them out is a significant money saver for districts and timesaver for tech teams.
Choose a comprehensive solution that lets you do more with less
An integrated solution that streamlines vendor management helps schools stretch their edtech dollars. By partnering with other vendors, companies can better support schools where they are at. The all-in-one solution that Hāpara provides for student visibility and safety simplifies life for districts. By offering a combined classroom management solution, digital hall pass and web filter, Hāpara helps schools reduce the contractual paperwork that would be necessary if more than one vendor provided the solution.
Meanwhile, teachers gain a centralized platform for guiding student learning, ensuring students remain on task and managing hall passes. Hāpara Hall Pass works alongside Hāpara’s classroom management solution and frees teachers from having to adopt yet another application. They can enjoy a simplified workflow that helps enhance their overall efficiency so they have more time for interacting with learners. Most importantly, students benefit from a secure and focused learning environment that promotes their well-being and academic success.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the biggest challenges with K-12 education funding?
Declining enrollment, outdated funding formulas, and the expiration of pandemic relief funds are some of the issues impacting K-12 funding.
How can schools make the most of their edtech funding?
Schools can prioritize cost-efficient tools that align with district goals, are scalable, and improve learning outcomes.
How can technology help address K-12 funding challenges?
The right tools can improve teacher efficiency and enhance learning engagement.
What steps can school districts take to make the most of their technology funding?
Districts should vet tools for value that they bring to teachers and students, including their ease-of-use and management.
Discover a better way to manage the digital classroom
We’ve created an essential guide for school leaders to help manage digital learning environments.
