Maryland “throws money” at ed and sees gains

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by David Safier

I don't know the details of Maryland's "Bridge to Excellence" act David Sadker writes about in a Star op ed today. But he says Education Week puts Maryland's schools at the top of their list, which is pretty strong praise. Arizona is, um, let's see if I can remember this . . . 49th, or something?

In 2002, Maryland approached its education budget with an eye toward what it wanted to achieve. The state appointed a commission to define expectations for a sound education. The commission set goals for attendance, graduation rates and academic achievement. Then the commission computed the cost to achieve such goals, about $2 billion.

Rather than simply distribute the funds it had on hand and tell teachers and students to do the best they can, Maryland analyzed how much money was needed to create a quality education and went about raising it. Maryland decided to invest in its future.

Much of the funding came from raising cigarette and tobacco taxes. By 2008, the reported per-student expenditures increased by more than $2,438 and the average per-pupil cost was more than $10,000. Highly qualified teachers were recruited, teacher salaries raised, additional instructional materials purchased and class sizes reduced.

And results show a rise in scores.

They came. They spent. They succeeded. (I should throw in "They planned" as well, but it screws up the Julius Caesar reference.)

What an interesting concept!

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3 thoughts on “Maryland “throws money” at ed and sees gains”

  2. David,
    Question…What local private school cost $7500 a year and has some of the highest SAT scores in the nation but sadly no Football,Hockey, or Soccer teams?

  3. But, but, but according to the Goldwater Institute we spend almost that much per student and I am sure they aren’t fibbing.

    Seriously, we can’t even have an honest discussion about funding and the motives of politicians in this state. Really sad since it will make it hard to follow Maryland’s thoughtful example.

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