| The purpose of this study is to conduct an analysis of the equity of the Illinois state funding system. Specifically, the study includes a review of equity using data collected in 2015 from all Illinois schools. I will consider the extent of the funding inequities as well as the ways and means through which the public school funding system in Illinois is inequitable. My secondary purpose is to compare the degree in which the inequity has changed since 2005. Available data sets contain financial and student information from over 850 districts (elementary, high school, or unit) within the state. The data will be analyzed utilizing statistical procedures for measuring the extent of equity including: the range, restricted range, coefficient of variation, Gini coefficient, Verstegen index, and the McLoone index (these will be covered in depth in the methods section). In reviewing and analyzing the data set, the results will provide a better and more in-depth understanding of how economic and policy changes over the past decade have impacted funding of schools across the state. |
