SYSTEMIC REFORM, EQUITY, AND SCHOOL-FINANCE REFORM - ESSENTIAL POLICYLINKAGES

There is an unquestionable connection between systemic reform, equity, and school finance reform that requires the attention of educators an d policymakers at all levels of government. Instead of disconnected re form initiatives prevalent in the 1980s, the 1990s is the beginning of a new era of educational reform that strives for coordination, integr ation, and cohesion around a clear set of outcomes. Within this framew ork of systemic reform, it is essential that policies lending the effo rts be coordinated with school finance reforms that foster equity. Thi s article analyzes the factors that must be considered when forging th ese linkages. The concepts of equity and adequacy are discussed along with their relationship to school finance litigation. Examples of link ages between systemic reform and school finance reform are examined, A policy linkage model is proposed that illustrates the connections bet ween the policy-making bodies, systemic reform initiatives, and the va rious components of school finance reform. General recommendations for policymakers to consider when fostering reform initiatives are sugges ted.