Race-Blind Reform: A Critical Policy Analysis Case Study of the Local Control Funding Formula

• In Event: The Role of Funding in Supporting Equitable School Reform Policies

Abstract

This paper addresses the social issue, which is grounded in structural racism, of inequitable education funding and opportunity for Black and Indigenous students which results in these student groups academically performing lower than their peers. Critical Policy Analysis is used to investigate discourses to gain insight as to how the two case study districts (Long Beach Unified and Los Angeles Unified) provide educational opportunity for Black and Indigenous students through funding allocation and goal setting in their Local Control Accountability Plan under the Local Control Funding Formula (an education funding and accountability policy). This study finds that the districts fail to outline in their accountability plan how they make use direct opportunity to Indigenous of Black students.

Author

• Darrell Allen, University of Michigan