Essays Assignment Instructions

You will complete six Essays Assignments in this course by responding to both question prompts. Your response to each question must be a minimum of 250 words. The word count must be included with each essay question answer. For each essay question, you must support your assertions with at least two scholarly citations/references in current APA format. Any sources cited must have been published within the last five years. Acceptable sources include the course textbook, the Bible, and course-related articles.

Follow the provided Essay Template for formatting your essay assignments.

Module 1: Week 1: Essays: School Finance and Legal Issues Assignment

1. Should student achievement and system performance be tied to school funding?  Why or why not? 
2. Do you anticipate future litigation over school finance?  If so, what do you think the outcome will be? If not, why not? 

Module 2: Week 2: Essays: Equity and Adequacy in Resourcing Schools Assignment

1. Define and briefly discuss the terms “adequacy” and “equity” and their importance in school finance.  Include “horizontal equity,” “vertical equity,” and “fiscal neutrality” in your discussion.
2. Based on what you have learned in the course thus far, what term or concept has been most surprising to you about school finance and why? 

Module 3: Week 3: Essays: Collaborative Engagement in Budgeting

1. Discuss how collaborative engagement in data-based decision-making is critical in formulating effective school improvement strategies.         
2. State legislators face huge challenges in understanding the nuances of complex school finance needs.  What are some ideas/ways that today’s school leaders can facilitate understanding and unity when interfacing with state leaders?

Module 4: Week 4: Essays: School District Budgeting and Strategic Planning

1. Leading a school/district with an expansive budget requires transparency, wisdom, and teamwork.  What biblical principles, scripture, and personal insights would you share with a school leader to foster encouragement and perseverance?
2. As you reflect on the process of strategic school budgeting, what are some of the most challenging aspects for you and why?

Module 5: Week 5: Essays: Effective Education Spending and Student Learning

1. Compare/contrast merit-based pay versus automatic teacher pay increases.  What should teacher compensation look like in the 21st century?
2. Technology has an ever-increasing role in today’s classrooms. Discuss this topic and explain ways a school/district can monitor and control technology expenses.  How can a school leader discern what technology to invest in to promote student success?

Module 8: Week 8: Essays: School Financing in the Public Square

1. What factors related to school safety should be considered in a school/district budget?  Discuss briefly how school leaders can inform their communities that school safety is a priority.
2. What would your discussion topics include if you had a one-to-one audience with the President and the Secretary of Education?  What would you want them to do or change in today’s educational landscape?  Discuss your topics and ideas.

Note: Your assignment will be checked for originality by the Turnitin plagiarism tool.