Many parents complain about conditions in their children’s schools, but research suggests spending money on school facilities doesn’t help students learn. Focusing on curriculum, teacher quality and other education issues is more worthwhile.
School renovations had no impact on student achievement, according to a new working paper published by the National Bureau of Economic Research.
“We find little indication that spending on school facilities generates improvements in student achievement,” researchers wrote. “The number of students materially affected by the typical project is low.” Even students who are affected don’t see academic improvements.
New building funds were not reallocated to operating funds and did not reduce class sizes, attract new students or retain teachers.
State and local governments spend more than $65 billion annually on school facilities, or about $1,300 per student. The study suggests that spending is largely futile in terms of helping students achieve academically.
Researchers looked only at academic success. It’s possible better school facilities help students in other ways, but those factors don’t cause better academic outcomes. “Although there may be other benefits to improving school facilities such as improving student health, teacher morale or neighborhood amenities, these investments are unlikely to generate significant achievement gains or narrow achievement gaps,” researchers wrote.
The study focused on “typical” capital campaigns occurring in Texas over a 14-year period. All were initiated and financed by local school districts. It’s possible non-typical funding campaigns may be more successful in improving student learning.
Student achievement was examined using scores on state tests taken by third-eighth-graders, as well as 10th and 11th graders taking Texas’ high school exit exam.
The public would be wise to ensure funding is directed to where it can help students learn the most, as public schools continue to ask state and local governments for more funding. Better school facilities are not that avenue, according to this study.
The paper was authored by Francisco Martorell, with the University of California, Davis, as well as Isaac McFarlin and Kevin Stange, both with the University of Michigan.
