Financing the Education of At-Risk Students

Abstract

Students who are considered to be at risk of educational failure because of their social and economic origins represent about one third of all elementary and secondary enrollments. This article explores the financial requirements for bringing these students into the educational mainstream so that they are academically able. First, it provides an elaboration on the rising demography of at-risk students and the deleterious consequences to the economy and society of failing to meet their educational needs. Second, it summarizes the evidence on the payoffs to educational investments in at-risk students and finds that benefits are well in excess of costs. Third, it evaluates criteria for determining the financial requirements for addressing educational needs of at-risk students and suggests that additional spending of about $21 billion a year (about 10% of present elementary and secondary expenditures) may be appropriate. Finally, it reviews the roles of federal, state, and local governments and the private sector in providing the additional financial and other resources needed to succeed.