Decisions in the voting booth should not be like the dreaded pop quiz.
"Gee… I wish I had spent a little more time studying this so I know the answer."
This November, the children of California are counting on you to have done your homework. You will be deciding on the education and future of an entire generation of children.
The California State Parent Teacher Association helped write and supports Proposition 38 because California needs to start to restore education programs at every public school.
Now--let's pretend you are getting ready to decide how to vote. Over the next couple of weeks, I will be giving you short little quizzes so you know what is in Proposition 38.
The title of Proposition 38 is:
TAX TO FUND EDUCATION AND EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAMS. INITIATIVE STATUTE.
Here is the first quiz.
Read the following information copied from Proposition 38 and then answer a few short questions.
e) “Educational program” means expenditures for the following purposes at a K–12 schoolsite, approved at a public hearing by the governing board of the LEA with jurisdiction over the school, to improve the pupils’ academic performance, graduation rates, and vocational, career, college, and life readiness:
(1) Instruction in the arts, physical education, science, technology, engineering, mathematics, history, civics, financial literacy, English and foreign languages, and technical, vocational, or career education.
(2) Smaller class sizes.
(3) More counselors, librarians, school nurses, and other support staff at the schoolsite.
(4) Extended learning time through longer school days or longer school years, summer school, preschool, after school enrichment programs, and tutoring.
(5) Additional social and academic support for English language learners, low-income pupils, and pupils with special needs.
(6) Alternative education models that build pupils’ capacity for critical thinking and creativity.
(7) More communication and engagement with parents as true partners with schools in helping all children succeed.
Here are the questions:
1. Does Proposition 38 tell you what the money can be spent on at our schools?
2. Can Proposition 38 be used to pay for extended learning time?
3. Can Proposition 38 be used to pay for smaller class sizes?
Answer: Yes for all questions.
Find out what your school will receive at www.prop38forlocalschools.org/restore.
Now that you’ve taken the first quiz, check back next week to learn more about Prop 38.
Carol Kocivar is the president of the California Parent Teacher Association.
