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Patterns of resource distribution in a decentralized urban public school system

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Abstract

Decentralization in the Detroit Public Schools resulted in the establishment of administrative regions and the sharing of responsibility for resource allocation among regional and central administrators. This study examines the relationship between resource levels (measured by per pupil spending and pupil-teacher ratios) and demographic characteristics of schools in each region. Regression analysis revealed differences among regions, with some allocating more resources to schools in lower-income neighborhoods and others favoring middle-income areas. Variations were also found in patterns of distribution of federal and state compensatory funds. These differences, the study concludes, were the consequence of utilization of different decision rules and responsiveness by regional administrators to different population groups.

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References

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Political Science, Wayne State University, USA

    Lynn W. Bachelor

Authors
  1. Lynn W. Bachelor
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Bachelor, L.W. Patterns of resource distribution in a decentralized urban public school system. Urban Rev 16, 43–56 (1984). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01120323

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01120323

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