Statewide differences in high- and low-performing district spending
![A map of the states NM, TX, AR, and LA titled State Context and SEDL Study Results. New Mexico has 89 districts, spends $5,825 per pupil, and has 57% minority students; Texas has 1,042 districts, spends $6,288 per pupil, and has 54% minority students; Arkansas has 307 districts, spends $5,277 per pupil, and has 25% minority students; and Louisiana has 66 districts, spends $5,804 per pupil, and has 51% minority students.](/policy/insights/n15/images/state-context.jpg)
Where districts put their money is indeed important for student success.
Statewide differences in high- and low-performing district spending
Compared to low-performing districts, the high-performing districts: | |
All four states | Spent a larger share on instruction |
LA, NM, TX | Spent more per pupil on instruction Employed more teachers |
All four states | AR and LA Spent less on general administration |
All four states | AR and TX Employed fewer administrative staff |
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Published in
Insights on Educational Policy, Practice, and Research
Number 15, September 2003,
Investing in Instruction for Higher Student Achievement
![Publication Cover Image](/pubs/catalog/images/policy87-large.jpg)