5 Areas in Education Where Spending is Trending Upward
A new school year is upon us. Students are revved up to return. Teachers are set to put their summer plans in play (and COVID-19 behind them). Principals are prepared to manage their team. And, Tech Directors have finalized their strategy to lead the district towards student success.
Often, this same excitement is quickly minimized due to precious financial resources being taken into account. The question must be asked, “Where do we get the highest Academic Return on Investment?”.
A primary goal of any school administrator is to advance student metrics year-over-year. This might be measured in terms of graduation rate, attendance, money in the bank, or even teacher retention. Regardless of your preferred benchmark, all decisions will illustrate a direct connection between dollars and student achievement.
As 2021-22 begins, here are areas expected to grow in spending :
1. Virtual Reality
It’s nearly impossible to avoid this subject right now. Many people are discussing virtual reality and augmented reality as the next big thing. Chances are, they’re right. But, how will this impact education? The expectation among most is that all classrooms will have a headset or two within the near future. However, content is the key ingredient missing right now. This could take hold in the coming months. Imagine students being able to step into a historical experience in addition to reading about it or watching a video. With virtual reality, students become a part of education…past, present, future. They are active participants. Immersive and experiential learning is upon us. This field is still in its infancy. Spending here will only escalate.
2. Leadership Training
For years now, the majority of professional development dollars have been spent on teachers. Rightfully so. A major component to this has been the arrival of educational technology in the form of interactive whiteboards and flat panels, tablets, and curriculum packages. Teachers are on the front lines. They must be experts and know how to use these tools. They deserve and warrant this training. However, spending could begin to shift towards Principals gaining access to specialized training. Fact is, learning how to lead people is not a class or course taught while earning a degree. It’s a skill. And, Principals are the primary conduit for leadership in any district.
3. Open-Source Software
Every person and position throughout a school district has had to embrace software in some capacity. Teachers and students use software for formative assessments to elevate engagement. Cafeteria workers have learned advanced payment stations. Financial departments mastered online banking platforms. Software has reached far and wide in education. The bulk of educational software has been pointed towards the classroom. Yet, the new school year should begin to shift software towards Directors of Technology, Principals, and District Administrators. This offering may encompass tools to manage a school district with more efficiency and effectiveness. Expectations surround the elevation of open-source software (most likely low-code) to while minimizing spend while allowing for customization. Why reinvent the wheel if something is already out there?
4. Classroom/School Design
Most adults have their special workspace…a happy place where they really get into a rhythm and accomplish key tasks. For you, this might be Starbucks. Or, it could be your home office. Maybe it’s a public park. Wherever it is, it’s your spot. Generally, these locations are colorful, flexible, and open. They allow for you to quickly and easily find a place of comfort. In turn, this materializes for you and your objectives. For students, they learn best in places like this too. Sitting at a small wooden desk in a tight classroom for hours of the day isn’t conducive for optimal results. Trends point towards a major shift in the near future surrounding the creation of learning spaces for students. Thankfully, there are small design changes can be made for a modest cost. This same area also has significant implications on the Maker Movement.
5. In-Class Breakfast
Safety and security (physically, mentally, and emotionally) plays an enormous role in the success of a student. Kids must feel comfortable to learn. Unfortunately, not all students begin the day with food. This is often overlooked in education. We expect results and performance inside the classroom. But, how would you handle hours of learning on an empty stomach? Ensuring students start the day right is well worth the cost. An uptick is evolving towards in-class breakfast. This area is projected to climb as further research shows value.
Naturally, all of the areas above are appreciated. People in education want the absolute best for students. Unfortunately, money is always a part of the equation. That said, it’s clear that the 2020-21 school year is going to further accelerate the blend of technology into every facet of education. The list above is merely a sample of expected areas to touch the top line of a school district’s balance sheet in order to increase the true bottom line…student achievement.