The Problem with Bill Analyses, in Brief: How a Greater Focus on Students Improves Public Policy Discourse

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Thursday 2:15 pm - Gold 1
  In Roundtable Session: Resource Allocation in School Choice

Abstract

State-level educational policy, and the state policymaking process, are critical opportunities to improve educational opportunities for the nation’s youth. Effective policies improve schools and help remedy historical injustices that produce present day disparities in outcomes. The purpose of this analysis is to highlight the benefits of conducting bill analyses focused on how policies will impact students. As an example, we describe a recent bill analysis we conducted during the 2025 Washington state legislative session, examining two competing bills that would increase school funding. We find the state’s finance system is inequitable and neither proposed policy will shift those patterns. We offer recommendations for state policymakers pertaining to school finance policy and make suggestions for conducting bill analyses moving forward.

Authors

• David S. Knight, University of Washington

• Pooya Almasi, University of Washington

• Kendall Fujioka, University of Washington