Abstract
There are no studies that focus on academic achievement in a rural, agricultural and sparsely populated area. Two small and rural Southwest Florida school districts depend on agriculture as the major type of employment for the residents. The most prevalent types of agriculture are sugar cane and orange production as well as various vegetables and cattle. The median incomes of the counties represented in this group are less than 80% of the state median income (United States Department of Agriculture, 2010). The purpose of this study is to analyze the academic achievement of students attending schools located within these two districts and ascertain if the state funding formula provides the resources necessary for vertical equity. Vertical equity is important as it provides students the opportunity to achieve at similar levels as their peers. Given the importance of the FCAT results to students, including retention in third grade and required passing scores in order to graduate from high school, vertical equity creates an environment where students from similar groups have similar opportunity to obtain passing scores and potentially graduate from high school.