Re-Introducing Reduced Class Size

By Jeff Ursino, Trustee, Pajaro Valley Unified School District

A year ago or so I wrote an article discussing the importance of reduced class size and why I felt is was so crucial to the success of our students. As we move through the second school year with the re-introduction of reduced class size at our local schools it is a good time to discuss why it is so important and how our kids are benefitting from it.

First though some background.

Back in the mid 1990’s due to a steady drop in per pupil spending in the state of California, as well as, decreasing student test scores then Governor Pete Wilson along with other state and local officials rolled out a series of laws requiring all public schools to move students in Kindergarten through third grade to student to teacher ratios of 20 to 1. At the time it was explained that this move would help our children in their educational pursuits through increased one-on-one time with their teacher.

The roll out was almost immediate and caused concern among local officials in regards to physical classroom locations and the increased amount of teachers that would be needed to fill the gap. However, subsequent studies did show improvements in student achievement and one-on-one interaction between students and teachers. This progress was most pronounced in lower socio economic school districts where student achievement improved the greatest.

In talking to individuals who were teachers at that time they feel they saw less classroom disruptions and fewer disciplinary issues than in classrooms with more students. For 10 to 12 years after this roll out over 90% of California Kindergarteners and first graders benefitted these smaller classroom sizes.

However, when the recession of 2008 hit and the state was forced to cut school budgets, reduced class size was one of the programs that was cut. Classrooms that once had 20 to 1 student ratios now had 30 to 1 in some circumstances. In line with a statewide trend our local schools saw an increase disciplinary issues, bullying and less one on one time between teachers and their students. Teachers also started to voice the concern that students were not as well prepared for the next grade level as the progressed from one year to the next.

Due to these circumstances and an improving state budget our local school board, with input from parents and teachers, has been focused on reinstating reduced class size in some form. Last year for first graders and this year for Kindergarteners class sizes have shrunk from in some cases a ratio of 30 to 1 to a maximum of 24 to 1. Next year second graders will benefit from reduced class size and the following year this policy will be rolled out to third grade.

The importance of this issue cannot be overstated. As I visit classrooms or talk to parents I see and hear over and over stories about improved classroom behavior and more one on one attention. I also see teachers who are more able to address individual student needs while not sacrificing instruction for the rest of the class. Furthermore, as the state of California has dictated the introduction of the Common Core teachers have had more time to teach in this new format.

Reducing class size is an effort to improve student achievement. As my own sons move through the Aptos area schools, I see first hand how important reduced class size is and what it offers our children. I also see the benefits not just for my own children but the children of the entire community. Reduced class size has my full commitment as a Trustee for our schools because it helps our students to reach their fullest potential. That is something we all can stand behind.