GUSD Suggested Syllabus Wording
Prepared June 1, 2011
Wording for Materials That Are Not Required Such As a Three Ring Notebook
The term "recommended" can be used regarding the 3 ring notebook and the item should be labeled "optional" so long as the purchase of the binder is truly optional with no grade component for not having the binder. A school district may only recommend strictly optional materials.
"A three ring notebook is recommended for this course. As with all recommended/ optional items, there is no grade component connected to this item."
Side Note:
California law provides "Writing and drawing paper, pens, inks, blackboards, blackboard erasers, crayons, lead pencils and other necessary supplies for the use of the school shall be furnished under the direction of the governing boards of the school district. " (Ed Code 38118)
Wording for Equipment That Is Required for the Class
Any required equipment or supplies, we must provide. However, the syllabus could state in the case of for example, calculators:
"A _____ calculator is required for this course. Many students own a calculator or plan to purchase their own calculator. We support this; however, we will have calculators available in the bookroom to check out to students. Please notify me if you plan to check out a calculator so that we can have the appropriate number of calculators ready."
Wording for Courses That Have Traditionally Charged Fees and the Student Produces a Product
"All students can make the items, but at the end of the year, or the unit, if students want to take the items home, the district will charge for the actual cost of materials in making the item. Students will pay for the item before taking it home. All students are entitled to make the same items, whether or not they plan to take the items home."
No fee can be levied for a foods class, as the food is consumed in the classroom.
Teachers can request donations, but donations should not be logged to a specific student, and donations cannot impact the grade of the student.