Shame of the Public Schools

A textbook in each public school class for each student in California seems like such a modest goal. Yet the state’s textbook shortage, documented by Times education writer Amy Pyle, means that more than half the students do not have one to take home; 25% don’t even have their own books in class, according to a survey of California teachers. The situation is worse in urban areas, including Los Angeles.

Only a concerted effort that draws on state and local funds, corporate gifts, parental support and individual donations can make sure that this shameful shortage is eliminated.

In the Los Angeles Unified School District, some teachers use ragged, out-of-date texts that have to be collected from each student after class. Yet Supt. Ruben Zacarias, whose whole career has been with the LAUSD, said he did not know the extent of the problem until informed by a reporter. How could that be? Anyone who has spent time in a Los Angeles public high school recently knows there has been a serious textbook shortage.

Zacarias said Monday he will direct principals to make textbooks a priority and seek additional state and federal funds. School board members Jeff Horton and David Tokofsky have both made useful proposals to increase textbook stocks, but a problem this big needs a larger vision. Sacramento, flush after years of red ink, should provide more state funding earmarked for textbooks. Local school districts, generally better off themselves now, should concentrate on buying more textbooks . Parental oversight would help conserve current stocks from damage or loss, and businesses, which have a big stake in the quality of instruction, could expand their role. Success in school results from many things, but textbooks are a critical part of the recipe.