This ratio under California’s Class Size Reduction Program enacted in 1996 was led by the California Teachers Association’s relentless lobbying for quality public education for all children. It proved to be one of the single most significant public school reforms in the last six years. Not only did this reduce the number of students in K-3 and later 9th, the state provided the funding to school districts to implement the program.
Why then the backsliding movement as is evident in the Irvine and San Juan Districts? CTA President Wayne Johnson states, "We know the state is facing a budget shortfall and that some funding reductions must be made, but any school district official who cuts this program or suggests cutting this program should be ashamed." He further adds, "These school administrators are taking advantage of the budget crisis. Any cuts should occur away from the classroom. Eliminating class size reduction makes no sense at all."
It is true, study after study has proven smaller class size improves the environment for student learning, especially for ethnic minority students. Moreover parents and teachers have seen the benefits firsthand, not only when it comes to testing but when it comes to character development. In the U.S. Department of Education Class Size Reduction Report, September 2000, it stated that "small classes and small schools lay the foundation for safe schools. They promote stronger bonds between teachers and students that lead to an improved school climate and fewer discipline problems and disruptions."
No one can negate that safe schools must be a number one priority, especially in these times of tremendous change. One other fact that was brought out in the report has to do with teacher morale, something that is not addressed often enough. It is true that "smaller classes help improve teacher morale. Teachers in smaller classes spend less time on discipline and classroom management and more time providing instruction to children. This raises their level of job satisfaction. In addition smaller classes can enable teachers to implement strategies learned in preparation programs but which they are unable to practice because of the sheer number of students in the classroom." How many of us have been to workshops or inservices or have taken classes only to realize that what works with 20 students is not effective with 35? It is to the benefit of our students to stand strong as teachers, parents, administrators, and board members and not be swept into repeating the mistakes from the past. Larger class size is unconscionable.
What can we do? First we must educate the public. Then we must continue to pressure the Federal Government for one. The promise made twenty-six years ago to fund Special Education at 40% must be fulfilled. Our local budgets are compromised because we in good conscience service the needs of all our students and must make up for the deficit in funding. Congress may continue to protest and say there is no money. Yet, "Congress has no difficulty finding $1.3 trillion for tax cuts or $20 billion to bail out the airline industry, but public education must make do with less than $4 billion in new annual funding a sum that is simply inadequate." (Bob Chase, NEA president)
President Bush must have been pointing to Burbank when he stated that no child be left behind. You, the quiet heroes whose day to day teaching may never be material that will be in demand on the talk host circuit or the evening news, are the ones who diligently work to take all of our children forward. You deserve more than a "hollow slogan." You deserve respect and the adequate resources to do your job.
Stories about school districts and school boards attacking Class Size Reduction programs have appeared recently in at least three major newspapers. Sending these papers your letters to the editor should be a priority. To reach editors more quickly, you can e-mail or fax your letter. All letters must include the writer’s full name, complete home address and daytime telephone number for verification purposes.
Letters to the Editor
Los Angeles Times
202 W. First Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Fax: 213 237-7679
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Questions: 213 237-7928
Letters to the Editor
Burbank Leader
220 N. Glenoaks Boulevard
Burbank, CA 91502
Fax: 818 954-9430
E-mail: [javascript protected email address]
Phone: 818 843-8700