Many state funding programs are intended to reach directly to students, but in reality funds must go through school districts, which have considerable freedom in how they allocate resources. As such, states have a strong interest in ensuring that districts invest in strategies that are backed by evidence and create opportunity for all students. Through extensive research, ExcelinEd identified major barriers that deter districts from using their resources as effectively as possible. This brief identifies actions state policymakers can consider to help districts overcome these obstacles.