Are public schools required by law to provide every student with textbooks?

Question

I just started the school year and I can't get a hold of the chemistry ap book because the school says they ran out.
Its causing me a lot of trouble. I've been staying up late because i have to keep making phone calls to friends and photocopying and looking up information online because I dont have a textbook infront of me when I NEED one to do the homework. I've been staying up until about.. 5:30 in the morning doing homework. Which only gives me 30 minutes of sleep. so... I'm pretty miserable. :(

I asked my school if I could have a book but they told me that I couldnt have one unless another student drops the class and gives up their book.

I just want to know..

IS THIS LEGAL? is my public high school required by law to provide me with the textbooks I need for my classes instead of just WAITING to see if someone's going to drop out of the class?

My parents pay taxes do they not..?

Answer 1

The teachers should keep a classroom set if there are not enough texts. At the very least the teacher should be making photocopies for you and not holding you responsible. She has a responsibility to make sure that there are enough books. If there is a limit then they should have limited the # of kids that can enroll.

I suggest that your mom call the principal. If she does not get results there then she should call the superintendant. I do not see how you can be held responsible for the work when they cannot even provide you with a book.

Answer 2

That is so unfair and ridiculous... you are obviously a hardworking student since you are in an AP class and you are only getting half an hour of sleep.. plus having to stress over doing homework when all the other kids have an easily accessible textbook.. you need to do something about this.. If you can't get a book soon.. go to your guidance counselor and talk to them about getting a textbook and explain your dilemma... who knows maybe they can find one somewhere. As a last resort see if you can order an online version or a hard text version of the textbook that is used in school.. it is horrible that you have to pay for it but it would make your life A LOT easier discuss that option with your parents! and best of luck = )

Answer 3

Bound's Hubby (high school history teacher) here:

Yes, public schools are supposed to provide the text books. However... what probably happened is that the school district had limited funds for the purchase of text books. More than likely more kids signed up for the class than historically complete the class.

Back when I taught AP my students had five text books. My average class size ranged from five to eleven kids. Fifteen years later the kids have not gotten smarter and the test hasn't gotten easier but there are two sections of 32 kids taking AP history. What has happened is that parents have pushed their kids into classes purely for the labels.

Typically, a typical history text book costs between $50 and $75 a copy. Multiply that by the number of books that you have to have for the class and it gets very expensive. My best advice is to be patient, within a couple weeks many of your classmates will realize they have more work than they want to do and will drop the class and you will have your text book.

Good luck!

Answer 4

I dont know if it is legal or not but it isnt right. I would try contacting the school board. Another word of advice. Im in AP chemistry and I dont know about your school but a lot of people I know in college have told me that it is the same book they used for college chemistry so if you want to try a local colleges book store it could help. But it is definatly not fair and your grade and AP exam score should not suffer because of it. Contact all sources as possible to get a book. I may sound a bit foolish but I personally would make a public scene out it because your grades are very important matter! Well good luck on getting a book and good luck in chemistry(I feel the pain there!).

Answer 5

Yes, public schools should provide students with textbooks! However in my school students are required to buy their own books for AP classes. The strange thing is that not every high school in the district requires students to buy the books, one school provides them. College textbooks are really expensive, but I bought my used book at a community college bookstore and you can sell it back after the school year. It is unfair but get hold of one fast so you don't lose anymore sleep.

Answer 6

I would go to the superintendent about this. All students are suppose to be provided a 'free and appropriate education'
And not having your books is definately not appropriate.
And if you got your own, that would not be 'free'.
Also, ask for a copy of the policy that states all students are suppose to have textbooks...

**I would make sure that you don't get any bad grades on something that is THEIR fault***

Answer 7

No. Many schools require students to pay for their books now. They just don't get enough tax money to cover all of their expenses.

Answer 8

Response

Answer 9

that is not any longer unlawful. truly of being acrimonious, perchance you need to nicely be professional-lively and inventive. communicate over with the instructors in touch and locate out what desires to be executed to get those textual content books. perchance some fundraising ought to nicely be executed. perchance you need to get your own textbook to apply as a source if the college won't be able to fund the books for the entire type.