How many of you have heard of the 65-percent rule? It is a national funding proposal that seems to be gaining momentum throughout the country. The rule would require schools to spend 65 percent of their operating budgets on in-classroom expenses. So what qualifies as an in-classroom expense? From what I have read, the bulk of the money would go to teacher salaries and benefits, classroom aides, and instructional materials. Texas has already put the rule in place, and California is looking to put it on the ballot for voter approval in 2008. All in all, 20 states are seriously considering the rule. Some argue that you can’t put such a rule in place since there is little evidence that there is a direct correlation between student performance and in-classroom spending. Few things are ever black and white, but it sure seems to make sense that since most learning takes place in the classroom, at least 65 percent of the school budget should be aimed at the classroom.

Read about the details of this program at: American Association of School Administrators