Bruce D. Baker - Why Money Matters for America's Students

The speaker, a professor at Rutgers University, discusses their extensive work in school finance, focusing on equity and adequacy in U.S. public schools. They highlight their research, advocacy, and publications, emphasizing the importance of adequate funding for quality education. The speaker also examines Kansas's successful approach to school finance and stresses the need for reinvestment in education for a better future.

What was the speaker's role before joining Rutgers University?

• A professor at the University of Kansas

• A high school teacher

• A researcher at a private institute

• A principal at a public school

What is the main focus of the national reports the speaker worked on?

• Improving teacher salaries

• Measuring the fairness and adequacy of school funding

• Increasing student enrollment

• Developing new teaching methods

According to the speaker, what is a core truth about school finance?

• All schools have the same funding needs

• Higher goals require more resources

• Schools need less funding over time

• Technology can replace teachers

Why does the speaker believe more resources are needed in some areas?

• To reduce teacher workload

• To build more schools

• To implement new technologies

• To serve students from impoverished backgrounds

What is the speaker's view on the role of money in education?

• Money is crucial for hiring and retaining quality teachers

• Money is not important for educational quality

• Money should be spent on technology rather than teachers

• Money should be saved for future needs

What does the speaker highlight about Kansas in terms of school funding?

• Kansas has failed to achieve equitable funding

• Kansas has managed a better political balance for funding

• Kansas relies heavily on federal funding

• Kansas has the highest school funding in the US

What is the speaker's hope for the future of school finance policy?

• To reduce school funding

• To maintain the current funding levels

• To reinvest and improve funding for a thriving future

• To focus solely on technology investments