In terms of per capita spending on education, Texas ranks near the bottom in the country, near the top in the country, spends less than every other state, or ranks in the middle in the country?
The correct answer and explanation is :
Texas ranks near the bottom in the country in terms of per capita spending on education.
According to recent data, Texas consistently ranks in the bottom 10 states for per-pupil education spending. In 2022, Texas spent approximately $11,803 per student, placing it 42nd among the 50 states and the District of Columbia . This figure is significantly below the national average of $15,633 per student for that year
Several factors contribute to Texas’s low ranking in education spending. One major issue is the state’s funding structure, which relies heavily on local property taxes. This reliance leads to disparities in funding between wealthy and low-income districts. Additionally, the state legislature has not increased the basic per-student funding allotment since 2019, despite rising costs due to inflation and increased demands on schools
The low investment in education has tangible effects on the quality of education in Texas. More than 90% of Texas students attend schools that are considered inadequately funded . This underfunding can lead to larger class sizes, outdated materials, and insufficient support services, all of which can negatively impact student outcomes.
In summary, Texas’s per capita spending on education is among the lowest in the United States, reflecting systemic funding issues that affect the quality and equity of education across the state.
