NEA Research Reports
Rankings and Estimates: Rankings of the States and Estimates of School Statistics
Rankings and Estimates is an annual report that provides state-level data on an array of topics relevant to the complex world of public education. Here are the most recent editions (no report was published for 2007-2008):
- Rankings and Estimates 2006-2007 (
, 1.3 MB, 130pp)
Teacher Salaries Continue to Lag Behind Inflation
The average one-year increase in public school teacher pay was 2.9 percent, while inflation escalated 3.9 percent according to this report.
- Rankings and Estimates 2005-2006 (, 1.9 MB, 129pp)
Teachers Take "Pay Cut" as Inflation Outpaces Salaries
This NEA study showed a decline in public school teachers' real earnings as the average increase in teacher pay slipped below the rate of inflation in 2004-05.
- Rankings and Estimates 2004-2005 (, 1 MB, 129pp)
Rankings and Estimates 2005 Update (, 212 KB, 8pp)
Schools Struggle to Find, Keep Well-Qualified Educators
The quality of a child's teacher is a key factor in closing achievement gaps. Unfortunately, teacher salaries have barely budged over the past decade, complicating the nation's efforts to attract and retain them.
School Funding
- Weighted Student Formula (WSF) (2005) (, 323 KB, 25pp)
Controversial School Funding Formula Gaining Popularity in United States
Some say the "Weighted Student Formula" method of allocating funds can be a boost to urban schools. Others call this decentralized mode of money handling a distraction from the real problem - inadequate school funding.
School Funding Solutions for Quality Education
- The Effects of State Public K-12 Education Expenditures on Income Distribution (2004) (, 225 KB, 37pp)
Study Links States' Income to Residents' Education Levels
Investing in kids and their achievement has long-term economic benefits for communities. This report examines the correlation between education spending and a region's financial viability and potential.
- K-12 Education in the U.S. Economy (2004) (, 406 KB, 58pp)
K-12 Education in the U.S. Economy' Links School Capacity to State Financial Outlook
This report suggests that increasing statewide revenue to support quality public education is an alternative to cutting this support to prevent tax increases. Also, learn how school quality impacts a region's labor market, property values, and economic vitality.
- School Funding, Taxes, and Economic Growth (2004) (, 481 KB, 30pp)
Fifty-State Analysis Offers Prescription for Education Equity, Adequacy
This report finds the number of jobs created by increasing education spending is larger than jobs lost from raising taxes to support that spending.
Status of the American Public School Teacher
Status of the American Public School Teacher is a report published every 5 years or so that shows how educators spend their time and money on their classrooms. Here is the most recent edition:
- Status of the American Public School Teacher 2000-2001 (August 2003) (, 1.2 MB, 384pp)
Despite Long Hours, Low Pay,Teachers Love Their Profession.
This report shows that educators spend much of their own time expanding their knowledge and skills, and hundreds of their own dollars purchasing classroom supplies for their students. The majority would return to the classroom and do it all again.