Opportunity to Learn : A Tale of Two Michigans

This research study examines key educational opportunities necessary for Michigan students in preschool through grade 12, analyzes educational opportunities in select Michigan districts, and evaluates whether variations in Opportunity to Learn are a consequence of school finance policies or local resource allocation decisions. The authors conducted a survey to inform the creation of an Opportunity to Learn Matrix and collected and analyzed detailed operational data from two Michigan districts to assess opportunities available to their students. Students in the more affluent community (Oakville) enjoyed a much fuller range of enriching school-based opportunities, despite the fact that total per-pupil funding was higher in the poorer community (Ashville). Analysis of district finances shows that this is because Ashville devotes far more resources to servicing the needs of its more disadvantaged students and community