Proposal for Accountability-Based Education Funding

Education
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Proposal for Accountability-Based Education Funding

Prepared by: Bradley W. Martin
Date: February 11, 2025

Proposal Summary

This proposal seeks to reform public education funding by introducing a performance-based accountability system for students and parents. Under this plan, state-funded education remains free unless a student fails a class, at which point the parents will be financially responsible for the failed credit hour. This measure is designed to increase parental involvement, reduce student complacency, and drive overall academic performance.

Current Issues in Education Funding

  • Public education is funded through state and federal tax dollars, with an estimated $8,100 spent per student annually in Indiana and similar amounts across the nation.
  • Despite this investment, low accountability for student performance has led to lack of engagement from both students and parents.
  • Many students fail courses without consequence, leading to higher dropout rates and reduced academic outcomes.
  • Parents often remain uninvolved , assuming that the school bears sole responsibility for a child’s education.
  • Taxpayers should not bear the financial burden of a student’s failure due to lack of effort. If a student fails a class solely due to unwillingness to complete the work, the financial responsibility should shift to the parent rather than remain on the general public.
  • Homeschooling Loopholes : Some parents choose homeschooling as a way to avoid public school consequences rather than to provide a legitimate education. Without oversight, this enables educational neglect and avoidance of accountability.

Proposed Plan: Performance-Based Education Funding

1. Free Education Unless a Student Fails

  • Students will receive fully state-funded education if they pass all their classes.
  • If a student fails a class, the cost of that failed credit will be charged to the parent through an automatic tax adjustment.
  • Parents will not receive a bill but will see the charge added to their state tax liability at year-end.
  • Flexibility for Student Failures: A student may be allowed to fail up to 2 credits per year without financial penalty, provided they are in different subject areas (i.e., a student failing math cannot fail another math credit). Repeat failures in the same subject are not accepted. This ensures students facing temporary hardship have some leeway while maintaining accountability.

2. Cost Breakdown for Failed Credits

  • Each failed credit hour will be calculated based on per-student funding.
  • Example: If funding per credit is $675, a student failing a full-year (2-credit) course would owe $1,350.
  • This amount is added to the parent’s state tax bill (or, if income tax is eliminated, to a separate government tax bill).
  • For Homeschooled Students : Parents who choose to homeschool will receive the full $8,100 per child annually to cover educational expenses. However, if their child fails to meet the required standards, they will lose this funding and be charged back for any failed credits in the same way as public school students.

3. Enforcement & Compliance

  • Non-payment of the failed course fees will be treated as tax evasion and subject to penalties.
  • Jail time for non-payment ensures compliance, similar to current tax laws.

4. Driving Parental Involvement

  • This plan ensures parents actively engage in their child’s education to avoid financial penalties.
  • Schools can provide resources and notifications to warn parents when a child is at risk of failing.
  • Mandatory intervention meetings may be required for students struggling academically.

5. Ensuring Proper IEP Evaluations

  • IEPs (Individualized Education Programs) will not be granted frivolously or as an excuse to avoid academic accountability.
  • All students seeking an IEP must be evaluated by a licensed third-party psychologist rather than school personnel to ensure legitimate need.
  • Strict oversight will be implemented to prevent abuse of the system.
  • Even with an IEP, students are required to make an effort —if a student fails due to complete disengagement, parents may still be held financially responsible following evaluation by the teacher of record and/or the school psychologist.

6. Homeschooling Accountability

  • Parents choosing to homeschool their children must meet specific accountability measures to ensure education quality.
  • Mandatory Third-Party Testing: Homeschooled students must complete annual standardized assessments to verify educational progress.
  • Quarterly Portfolio Reviews: Parents must submit student work samples to a state-certified education evaluator for review.
  • Attendance & Record-Keeping: Homeschooling parents must provide detailed attendance records and curriculum plans, subject to periodic audits.
  • Failure Consequences: If a homeschooled student fails assessments or shows insufficient progress, the family will lose their state-provided education funding and will be subject to the same financial accountability measures as public school students.

Expected Benefits

  1. Increased Student Accountability
  • Students will take school more seriously knowing failure has real financial consequences.
  1. Greater Parental Involvement
  • Parents will actively participate in ensuring their child completes assignments and performs well.
  1. More Effective Use of Public Funds
  • Schools will not be wasting taxpayer dollars on students who refuse to engage.
  1. Better National Academic Performance
  • Higher graduation rates and stronger educational outcomes due to increased motivation.
  1. Homeschooling Integrity
  • Prevents misuse of homeschooling as a loophole to evade educational accountability.
  • Ensures homeschooled students receive a legitimate education with measurable progress.

Implementation Considerations

  • Legislation will be required at the state and federal levels to allow for tax-based repayment.
  • Exemptions: Consideration for students with IEPs (Individualized Education Programs) or documented learning disabilities, but with strict evaluation and accountability measures.
  • Appeals Process: Parents can contest charges in cases of unfair grading or extenuating circumstances.
  • Early Warning System: Schools must provide mid-term warnings so families have time to intervene before failure.

Conclusion

This proposal introduces a cost-based accountability system that incentivizes student effort and parental involvement. By requiring parents to cover the cost of failed classes through their taxes, we ensure that education remains free for those who work for it while holding families accountable for student success. Taxpayers should not have to continue funding students who refuse to engage in their education. Furthermore, this proposal closes the homeschooling loophole, ensuring that families choosing this route are providing legitimate instruction with measurable student progress.

I respectfully urge your administration to consider this proposal for future education policy reform.

Prepared by:

Bradley W. Martin