New SAUSD textbook policy straining students’ backs and hurting learning

SAUSD students and parents, as well as teachers and administrators are in an uproar over an ill-advised cost-cutting measure adapted by the SAUSD, apparently on the sly.

As of this year, SAUSD schools are not stocking extra “class sets” of textbooks in the classrooms.  Instead students are now required to carry their textbooks to and from school everyday without the opportunity of leaving them in lockers nor in the classroom. The total weight of carrying some of these textbooks can exceed 25 pounds. These books can contain over 400 pages each and the health issues related to students carrying these textbooks are immense.

“Over 92% of children in the United States carry backpacks that are typically loaded with 10% to 22% of their body weight,” write the researchers. “Thirty-seven percent of children aged 11 to 14 years report back pain, the majority of whom attribute the pain to wearing a school backpack,” according to WebMD.

Moreover, not having class sets takes away from the teacher’s ability to teach in the classroom as many students may forget to bring their textbooks or simply refuse because of the great inconvenience. Many students walk to school and simply carrying this weight is irresponsible, impractical and irrational. Students are going to school to learn not to see who can gain the most strength by the end of the school year from carrying the textbooks.

Aside from the health issues regarding carrying these books back and forth, and taking away from teachers instructional abilities, the wear and tear from carrying these books has been dramatically increased.

I am told that some of the SAUSD Trustees had no idea that this new policy had been put in place.  Roman Reyna, in particular, is most upset.  There is an SAUSD School Board meeting coming up next week.  A group of parents, students and educators plans to address the SAUSD School Board.  They have even launched a Facebook page, that you can see by clicking here.

Art Pedroza Editor
Our Editor, Art Pedroza, worked at the O.C. Register and the OC Weekly and studied journalism at CSUF and UCI. He has lived in Santa Ana for over 30 years and has served on several city and county commissions. When he is not writing or editing Pedroza specializes in risk control and occupational safety. He also teaches part time at Cerritos College and CSUF. Pedroza has an MBA from Keller University.
Art Pedroza

Our Editor, Art Pedroza, worked at the O.C. Register and the OC Weekly and studied journalism at CSUF and UCI. He has lived in Santa Ana for over 30 years and has served on several city and county commissions. When he is not writing or editing Pedroza specializes in risk control and occupational safety. He also teaches part time at Cerritos College and CSUF. Pedroza has an MBA from Keller University.

View Comments

  • Is this Thelma's idea? I guess it doesn't matter, she's just as bad as Obama! Always doing before thinking. Hey Juan Lopez, why don't you reduce your salary so we can buy books for the classroom. Thelma, here's an idea, follow the lead of the Superintendent of Fresno and give up your salary for the sake of the students as well. God what's next?

  • This policy was implemented prior to the new Superintendent's start date. If you want to thank someone, it would be Cathy Olsky and Dawn Miller.

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