General Discussion

alp227

(32,015 posts) Sun Mar 3, 2013, 12:09 AM Mar 2013

California's ban on fees for school supplies causes confusion

A new state law banning public school fees has teachers scrambling for supplies, parents in a tizzy over suddenly unaffordable activities and PTAs confused about how to help families.

...

With few exceptions, state law now prohibits schools from charging fees for classroom items and activities and from requiring students to bring materials needed for school. It covers everything from 25-cent pencils and $5 binders to $350 field trips and $500 football uniforms.

Resulting from the settlement of a lawsuit against the state, the law reinforces what the California Constitution has guaranteed for nearly 140 years: a free public education.

"The court said free means free," said Brooks Allen of the American Civil Liberties Union, which brought the suit. And "free" does not mean charging a fee and asking students to apply for a waiver or financial aid.

full: http://www.mercurynews.com/education/ci_22702203/new-california-school-law-that-bans-fees-causes

(On edit) the top comment comes from a teacher who writes:

Historically, teachers have bought supplies for their classroom. The students I taught were labeled underpriviledged, and received reduced or free lunches. I used to buy supplies until I saw the same students who said they could not afford supplies, show up with the newest phone, expensive sneakers, dropped off at school in late model vehicles, and when visiting their homes I would see the latest in electronics and big screen televisions. True, there are some who truly underpriviledged, but many have the mentality of entitlement, which unfortunately come from the parents. Schools in CA have changed quite a bit in even five years, and the change has not been positive. I am only thankful that my grandchildren will not have to attend school in CA, which used to have one of the best education systems in the world.

4 replies

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Highlight:

California's ban on fees for school supplies causes confusion (Original Post) alp227 Mar 2013 OP

Her story sounds like B.S. to me Tempest Mar 2013 #1

Nice Right-Wing Talking Points dballance Mar 2013 #2

"Free" should mean that the DISTRICT pays for the supplies..not the teacher SoCalDem Mar 2013 #3

Story was balanced, the comments not so much ProgressiveProfessor Mar 2013 #4

Tempest

(14,591 posts)

1. Her story sounds like B.S. to me

Reply to alp227 (Original post)

Sun Mar 3, 2013, 01:08 AM

Mar 2013

It sounds exactly like a right wing story you hear on Faux Noise.

My parents were teachers and four of my siblings are teachers. What she describes is nothing like I've experienced.

The underpriviledged kids that go to the school down the street from me walk. They don't have new shoes. Some don't have jackets adequate against the rain.

dballance

(5,756 posts)

2. Nice Right-Wing Talking Points

Reply to alp227 (Original post)

Sun Mar 3, 2013, 01:57 AM

Mar 2013

Could you not find a way to work the phrase "welfare queen" into your post?

It's such a crime "underprivileged" people as you term them have phones, TVs and shoes. Perhaps you are unaware many of "those people" get these things for free. Go to Craig's list where you'll find all sorts of things available to people at no cost if they are just willing to pick them up.

I'm glad it seems you are no longer a teacher. I wouldn't want your attitude in the classroom.

SoCalDem

(103,856 posts)

3. "Free" should mean that the DISTRICT pays for the supplies..not the teacher

Reply to alp227 (Original post)

Sun Mar 3, 2013, 04:56 AM

Mar 2013

Each classroom (when I was in school) had a locked cabinet that contained paper, and writing materials.. Why not just go back to that model?

The only time we had to bring our own was for blue books for tests or if we WANTED a special notebook.

Our district was rather flush and we had a set of classroom textbooks..stayed on the desk..for use in class by ALL students in that room every day, and we had a HOME text book that always stayed at home..

No need for backpacks.. In my day, backpacks were for hikers & campers..not school kids..

Our lockers were for personal items and coats/boots/etc.

ProgressiveProfessor

(22,144 posts)

4. Story was balanced, the comments not so much

Reply to alp227 (Original post)

Sun Mar 3, 2013, 10:53 AM

Mar 2013

Not surprising these days

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