Collective Outcomes and Justice Considerations in Evaluating Equalization of a Special-Education Budget1

This study examined evaluations of a proposal to equalize the budget for special education across regions among 1,114 participants affiliated with either mainstream or special education in The Netherlands. In line with predictions, it was found that equalization was more positively evaluated as expected outcomes for the own region were more favorable, and as the procedures and distribution were regarded as more fair. Moreover, equalization was evaluated more positively as referent distributions were rated as less fair. This research shows that perceived quality and fairness of a policy measure are strongly related to the perceived favorability of collective outcomes.