- And once again, a flurry of forms and file cards for Kay's school that have 90% information overlap (contact numbers, doctor info, etc.). #
- I keep coming up with more and more cases where "go to store X next weekend" turns to "order via Amazon today". #
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I sent this letter to someone in the CA Education Dept., last year, as I filled out the same damned forms again.
Every year, I fill out too many forms of different sizes and colors, often repeating myself endlessly, and cramping my hand.
There is no way for me to fill these out online, nor may I submit the information in another form, because the use of different sized and -colored forms are so ingrained. Meanwhile, poor AAs and clerks struggle to read forms which feature illegible and illegibly-tiny writting, smears, crossed out corrections etc.
It would be so much more efficient, and kind to all who deal with these forms, if there were a database with fields for all the answers needed for all the forms. Reports could be generated onto the desired forms, with legibility for all, and no crossed or strained eyes, nor cramped hands. Those parents not having their own computers or internet access could enter data on a public library or school office computer, on a site with SSL.
It would cut a lot of waste of paper materials, worker’s comp, and the hours involved by anyone involved. Each year, parents get a reminder letter to update any data that may have changed in the past year.
I’ve had this idea since 2002, but this is the first time I’ve actually thought to contact the Department directly.
It may take a special grant, given the financial squeeze we’re all in, but it will end up in real savings every year.
Apparently I addressed it to the wrong agency, but have yet to find where I should send it.
Hear, hear!
I suspect a part of it is that the Intramural folks want to have their own file box of emergency contacts that they can easily grab, vs. finding where the central list is kept in the office (though, again, printouts could be made). They could also be printed out beforehand for signatures (and noting of any corrections) at home.
I’d be willing to pay a tax increase to fund that happening …