Poster #1 - A Multiple Streams Analysis of Public School Funding in the US

• In Event: Saturday Poster Luncheon

Abstract

Funding for public schools has once again risen onto the governing agenda in the United States. As with many American governmental systems, school administration in the US works via a Federalist system of power-sharing which creates and maintains historical racial and social disparities and hierarchies. Within this chaotic system, what catalyzes education funding to become an actively debated problem, and what inhibits its resolution? This research will use Critical Race Theory and Multiple Streams Theory as hypothesized by Kingdon to bring together the aspects of the policy, problem, and politics streams that impact this issue. While no nationwide solution has been implemented, I find that issue champions play a valuable role in keeping the issue in the public eye, while political values inhibit adoption. I also share recommendations on how to overcome these concerns in order to begin resolving these roadblocks. This work has implications for policymakers who wish to understand the concerns of diverse constituents and for theorists who study the evolving understanding of deserving and undeserving publics.

Author

• Rachelle H Haynik, University of Pittsburgh
  Presenting Author