The Michigan Education Association conducts a poll each week on its Web site. Last week’s poll saw 409 votes around the question: How much money do you spend out-of-pocket each year to buy classroom supplies or items for your students? The results of the poll were:
12.2% – $250 or less
38.9% – Between $250 and $500
48.9% – More than $500
The fact that almost half of the respondents spend over $500 reflects the comments made on the Michigan Education Association’s Facebook page and on this blog earlier this month. Thanks for all your responses.
In case you missed it, the podcast of the last radio show “Who’s Paying for School Supplies?” is now available here. Listen and let us know what you think.
Filed under: educational support personnel, parents, teachers | Tagged: classroom, out of pocket expenses, school supplies | Leave a comment »
On our August Show, (across the state on August 15) we’re going to back to basics – classroom basics as we near the beginning – believe it or not – of the 2009-2010 school year. Basics that many people take for granted. We’re talking about simple classroom supplies like, markers, pencils, notebooks, folders, and even coats – that many children and their parents cannot afford. And in these tough economic times, supplies that the schools themselves can no longer afford. So who’s filling the gap? In many cases, it’s the teachers. On average – chipping in $500 each out of their own pocket and for many, much more than that.
Voices of Michigan Education 