California Preliminary Administrative Credential Examination (CPACE) Practice Exam

Which funding method establishes a specific dollar amount for each student?

1. Flat grants

2. Foundation programs

3. Percent equalization programs

4. Full state funding

The correct answer is: Foundation programs

The method that establishes a specific dollar amount for each student is foundation programs. Foundation programs are designed to ensure that all students receive a minimum level of funding for their education, often set at a specific dollar amount. This funding approach aims to provide equitable access to resources across different districts, regardless of the local property tax wealth. Unlike flat grants, which provide the same amount of funding regardless of student enrollment, foundation programs specifically allocate funds based on the number of students, ensuring that each receives a designated dollar amount contributing to a basic education budget. Percent equalization programs and full state funding do not distribute a consistent amount per student but rather focus on equalizing funding to address disparities or cover broader funding goals without tying the amount explicitly to individual students.