Class-Sizes

In response to "Amendment 8 Would Loosen Class-Size Limits" By The Associated Press

This article states that Florida has an amendment on their ballots that will allow class-sizes to be increased in public schools. It goes on say that administrators think this amendment will allow flexibility in school; however teachers believe it has to do with funding, or lack thereof.

I agree wholeheartedly with the teachers. Administrators don’t realize the difference in 18 students versus 23 student in PreK through 3 grade and 20 versus 25 students in 4th grade through 12th. Especially in urban areas like the one I work in. The state of Georgia recently went through the same concern and it was voted that we would increase class-sizes. What needs to be realized is that the more students you have, the more academic challenges and behavior issues you have deal with. I know it would be wonderful to think that class sizes don’t affect performance but it does and anyone who thinks differently should spend a day or two in my 1st grade classroom.

I know funding is tight, but why is education the one to suffer? Not only does larger class-sizes put a strain on the teachers but it doesn’t allow the students to get all the assistance they could get in a small class setting. Not to mention with much emphasis on inclusion, students range from high to low and everything in between. One teacher has to get the lesson across for every level and every learning style and prepare them all to pass standardized tests.

I honestly think, some people, which includes politician and administrators, think teachers can make miracles happen. I wish I was a miracle worker and all of my angels were on the same level and I could teach them all the same way, but is not true. When you add 5 more students to each class, you add 5 more individuals levels and styles that have to be taught in their individual way.