Final answer:
Despite significant increases in federal education funding, student performance on standardized tests has not shown comparable gains, suggesting structural issues and incentives within schools might be the root cause. This realization has prompted a shift toward education reforms that focus on altering incentives rather than merely increasing financial resources. thus,the correct option is D).
Step-by-step explanation:
The question 'How has school improvement changed in light of federal education policy?' pertains to the efficiency of federal education policies in improving school performance.
Discussions among economists have highlighted the fact that increased federal funding has not corresponded with substantial improvements in student performance on tests such as the SAT or international assessments. It suggests that the issue may not simply be one of financial resources but could be related to the structure of education systems and the incentives that schools face.
In light of this, many education experts advocate for modifying incentives within schools over simply increasing budgets. To address the concerns, various education reforms are being considered that might more effectively utilize funds to enhance student outcomes.