"Flat" versus "weighted" reimbursement formulas: a longitudinal analysis of statewide special education funding practices.
Tennessee data were analyzed longitudinally from 1979-80 to 1987-88 in terms of numbers of children placed in a variety of service options. In 1983-84, the Tennessee funding formula was changed from a "flat" rate to a "weighted" formula. The weighted formula was associated with a statistically significant decrease in less restrictive placements and a reliable increase in more restrictive placements. A statewide survey of district special education directors suggested that service needs may have been more likely than monetary incentives to explain the observed changes.
Dempsey
S
S
Department of Special Education, George Peabody College, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee.
Fuchs
D
D
D002648:Child; D003361:Cost Allocation / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D004519:Education, Special / Q000191:economics* / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D005380:Financing, Government / Q000191:economics* / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand / Q000191:economics / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D006801:Humans; D012051:Reimbursement Mechanisms / Q000191:economics* / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D013714:Tennessee