TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) School officials are voicing opposition to a Senate bill that would change the way Kansas has distributed funds for students at risk of failure for more than 20 years.
Administrators and education lobbyists told the Senate Education Committee on Tuesday that the definition used to hand out extra money to help schools serve poor students worked. They argue that students from low-income families traditionally struggle academically because they come to school with fewer skills.
Under the Senate proposal, schools would continue to receive extra money to serve kindergarten through third-graders who qualify for government subsidized school meals. But from fourth to 12th grade the additional funds would be determined based on student test scores.
Supporters say the change would be a better use of resources and reach all struggling students.
