Improving the US Education System Essay Example

to centralize data from various systems that will be essential in informing instructional practices. The Forsyth County School in Georgia is an example that plans to implement integrated content management systems. The methods aim at streamlining learners-based systems cognizant to the performance of students, learners, administration as well as parents input (US Department of Education). Through the assistance of the federal government, schools can utilize the systems to decrease the number of students with special needs, increase achievements, growth and on-time graduation at a reduced cost (Hansen, Janet, and Helen 60).

The third strategy that will ensure an efficient process and system are budgeting tools that support flexibility in resource allocation. It is, therefore, essential to establish a budget that will meet the needs of an institution or system. The weighted student funding is an example of a financing structure that allows the allocation of funds per student based on their needs. The funds are, therefore, specific to students irrespective of whether they change school or not. The idea is to create an educational equity by supporting students and developing incentives for schools to serve students with needs. Examples of districts that pilot the project include Cincinnati, Baltimore, and Houston. A second budgeting suggestion is costing per-unit. The method assist in assessing their financials identify misalignment of resources and priorities productive areas (Hansen, Janet, and Helen 50).

For efficient delivery of services, policy makers should develop strategies that enable payments based on results. Performance-based funding and contracting, and shared resources can lead to significant cost savings. Florida Virtual School is an example where such strategies are beneficial. It is an online state platform that provides virtual learning

options for grade k-12 (US Department of Education). The platform modifies how public schools systems work by funding on result-based funding model. Through the system, a school receives funding based on the number of students who complete their course. As a result, it allows students to progress at own pace while providing viable options for various courses that may be a challenge to source due to staffing (Hansen, Janet, and Helen 15). Most economically developed countries and even states have also taken advantage of performance-based contracts to enhance process, systems and resource allocation. Colorado Spring School District 11 is an example of a school that pioneers the program (US Department of Education).

The final approach to developing efficiency in process, systems and resource allocation to improve the American education systems is incentive alignment. Funding formulas hinder alignment of interests and resources. The formulas advocate for categorical funding that supports pre-determined budget items. Policymakers need to review the formulas and develop cost-cutting incentives to align interest with resources. Cincinnati is an example of a district that uses the flexibility under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. The Act enables Title 1 elementary schools to consolidate funds from various levels of governments and tailor them to meet the needs of all students. Other areas that could allow a school to take advantage of the provision are the consolidation of such funding to build state and local capacity, promote reforms and to transfer funds to meet local needs especially for rural schools (Hansen, Janet, and Helen 95).

The above approach also advocates for strategic sourcing and shared services in improving the US education systems. Partnering in the procurement of goods

and services assists in cost cutting efforts. Consolidating and expanding such services result in economies of scale hence reduced cost. The Ohio Smart School is an example of such an initiative. It allows schools to explore best practices that can assist schools to cut cost while maintaining high student performance. The Maine state is another example that passed a law that requires school and district form joint administrative units to reduce cost. School report a significant reduction in cost through shared professional activities, contracting among others (US Department of Education).

In conclusion, if I were to contribute to the improvement of the US education systems, I would suggest strategies that focus on enhancing processes, systems and resource allocation to suit performance. Today, there are unproductive requirements that burden states and districts in the management of schools. The requirements are a barrier to resource efficiency allocations to meet the needs of diverse schools in the US. As a result, policymakers should enhance the process of funding, and resource allocation to cut on cost while at the same time developing incentives through performance-based contracts.

Works Cited

• Hansen, Janet S, and Helen F. Ladd. Making Money Matter: Financing America's Schools. Washington, DC: National Acad. Press, 2010 Print.
• US Department of Education. Innovative Approaches & best Practices Web. January 29, 2016 http://www.ed.gov/oii-news/increasing-educational-productivity.