WSF (Weighted Student Formula)

As alluded to earlier, the Governor should be out this week with his budget proposal that will include a new funding model for California Education.  Needless to say, that is a pretty big deal.  We have been aware of the discussion over the past year.  WSF as it has been termed originated with Dr. Michael Kirst et al from the Stanford faculty.  Dr. Kirst is the current President of the State Board of Education and a long-time advisor of Governor Jerry Brown.

Part of the Governor's purpose behind this change is to provide local communities greater flexibility with the dollars that are available to meet the needs of local students as opposed to the restrictions and regulations of "categorical" funds.  Additionally, he is recognizing the challenge of helping students learn can be somewhat different based on the background, available resources, and circumstances of the student (e.g., English Learner, Socio-Economic status, etc.).

When the Governor makes his proposal, he may change the name from WSF to something else (undisclosed at this time) -- however, the principles remain the same.  First, there is a BASIC allocation of funds for all students -- as public schooling has a price even under the best circumstances.  Second, there is to be a SUPPLEMENTAL allocation that would be added to the basic allocation for students that have special / additional needs (e.g., English Learners, students in poverty, etc.).  Finally, there is to be what has been called a CONCENTRATION grant.  The concentration value is again additional funds beyond the basic allocation and the by-student allocation of supplemental funding.  The purpose of the concentration is to recognize that according to the research when there is a certain concentration of special students achieved the challenges increase and therefore the required resources increase as well.  There is current discussion of the concentration threshold being set at 50% Free/Reduced Lunch eligibility.

After the Governor's proposal surely there will be lively debate in the Legislature -- which must approve an ultimate budget.  I am sure that there will be a similar debate across the land as districts and communities determine whether they are "winners" or "losers" with the new formula.

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The Governor should present his budget proposal for 2013-14 tomorrow. Stay tuned!