1.) What are the equity implications of fundraisers that require students to sell items such as chocolate bars? Do you agree with Ms. Alexander's concerns about how these fundraisers can alienate students from low-income families? Why or why not?
When all students of a grade or school receive candy bars and are told to go out and sell them, not all students are going to have to same opportunities for selling the most. I agree that these fundraisers can alienate students from low-income families for two reasons. First, the student's family will not be willing to pay for candy if they have to buy laundry detergent instead on their budget. This is compared to the gated community family who has the extra money to spare on buying candy bars. I agree with Ms. Alexander's concerns because we want to be fostering a sense of achievement in our low socioeconomic students, not hindering their success with the mandating of a competitive fundraiser.
4.) How would you respond to Ms. Plumlee's request for a vote if you were Ms. Terry?
I would explain to Ms. Plumlee that I think her diplomatic methods are rude and crass, and the only thing that she can do to remove the very real problem from her face is hiding behind a majority instead of facing reality herself. Families out there are hurting, and to ignore their feelings as if they didn't matter would be a disservice to the community. I would say "Let's not take a vote. Let's come up with alternative fundraising ideas. There are plenty of other thing that we can do such as a 5k walk. If we can;t make budget by a certain time then we will go back to the candy bar fundraiser idea."
When all students of a grade or school receive candy bars and are told to go out and sell them, not all students are going to have to same opportunities for selling the most. I agree that these fundraisers can alienate students from low-income families for two reasons. First, the student's family will not be willing to pay for candy if they have to buy laundry detergent instead on their budget. This is compared to the gated community family who has the extra money to spare on buying candy bars. I agree with Ms. Alexander's concerns because we want to be fostering a sense of achievement in our low socioeconomic students, not hindering their success with the mandating of a competitive fundraiser.
4.) How would you respond to Ms. Plumlee's request for a vote if you were Ms. Terry?
I would explain to Ms. Plumlee that I think her diplomatic methods are rude and crass, and the only thing that she can do to remove the very real problem from her face is hiding behind a majority instead of facing reality herself. Families out there are hurting, and to ignore their feelings as if they didn't matter would be a disservice to the community. I would say "Let's not take a vote. Let's come up with alternative fundraising ideas. There are plenty of other thing that we can do such as a 5k walk. If we can;t make budget by a certain time then we will go back to the candy bar fundraiser idea."