State and Federal governments provided $146 billion for public elementary and secondary schools in school year 1994-95. Some of this revenue targeted poor students. This report examines state school finance policies, focusing on targeting to poor students and the funding gaps between districts with high and low proportions of poor students. Determines (1) the extent to which state and federal funding is targeted to districts on the basis of the number of poor students, and (2) the effect of state and federal funding on the amount of funds available to high-poverty compared with low-poverty districts. Also includes interviews with state and federal officials.

This yearbook offers research and insights to stimulate thought, inform debates, and explore future research directions.