National Test Score Declines Spotlight Bloated School Administration
WASHINGTON D.C. - Recent analysis of national test scores and school spending reveals a troubling trend: as student achievement declines in many states,a significant portion of increased education funding is being allocated to administrative positions that experts say may actively hinder learning. Data from the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) shows widespread stagnation or drops in reading and math scores, even as school budgets swell.
the declines aren’t simply a result of the pandemic, as changes in state rankings demonstrate gains and losses relative to one another. A report by Open the Books highlights a surge in non-teaching personnel costs, raising questions about where education dollars are truly being spent. New York State, for example, spends more per student - exceeding $42,000 this school year - than any other state, yet student test scores remain only mediocre.
Open the Books’ data doesn’t differentiate between teacher and administrator pay, but researchers suspect the latter is a key factor. While some studies suggest increased teacher pay, especially when tied to performance, can improve outcomes, the proliferation of administrative roles is drawing scrutiny.
Maine saw a 19% increase in school payrolls coupled with the largest drop in NAEP test scores. In Portland, Maine’s largest district, the number of employees earning six-figure salaries more than quadrupled – jumping from 30 to 137, primarily consisting of principals and administrators. maryland implemented a $30 billion,10-year education plan but saw no corresponding gains in test scores,with funds allocated to programs focused on concepts like “fat pride” and “eating without guilt.”
baltimore schools exemplify the issue, where teachers comprise less than half of the staff. The remainder includes a multitude of high-paid administrators, including a senior executive director of equity, a director of equity, a director of equity-centered principal development, five additional equity specialists, and a staff associate for equity.
The focus on administrative expansion comes at a potential cost to core instruction. Experts suggest re-evaluating the necessity of these roles and redirecting funds towards proven methods of improving student outcomes. Schools are urged to prioritize foundational skills and ensure taxpayer dollars are used effectively to support quality teaching and learning.