To our school administrators,
We are writing to appeal your decision to keep our rising First graders at Elm Street School in only three classes. The current class sizes of 22, 22 and 17 are already problematic, especially without any classroom aides. It is our understanding that class sizes will most definitely increase, to upwards of 27, due to the following expected additions:
- Metco students
- Partnership students
- Students who begin Elm in First grade
- New residents
As educators, I'm sure you recognize that even the current class sizes for this cohort are beyond the limits of what the research supports as best practices. One meta-analysis, reviewing 19 studies spanning several decades, found that "a class size of no more than 18 students per teacher is required to produce the greatest benefits." (1). Another meta-analysis conducted by the National Education Policy Center, concluded, "the evidence suggests that increasing class size will harm not only children’s test scores in the short run but also their long-term human capital formation. Money saved today by increasing class sizes will be offset by more substantial social and educational costs in the future." (2) Much of the research reviewed focused specifically on K-3 as incurring the most detriment in larger classrooms.
As parents, we of course want only the best for our children and want to ensure that each of them is afforded the time and attention that will promote their academic achievement, as well as their social and emotional well-being. Additionally, as Walpole residents and taxpayers, we are rather surprised to be facing this issue of overcrowded classrooms. We are aware of the vastly complicated nature of balancing the Town's mission to promote all Walpole students toward academic excellence, while working within the confines of the budget in an era of disappearing funding. However, we are deeply concerned to see these budget constraints pushing our most impressionable and vulnerable students into these unwieldy arrangements.
We implore you to reconsider the decision regarding the Elm Street School First grade classroom sizes for the 2015-2016 academic year.
Warm Regards,
Concerned Elm Parents
References
2. http://greatlakescenter.org/docs/Policy_Briefs/Schanzenbach_ClassSize.pdf
Updates
June 26, 2015
been reading through all the stories people are sharing about their own experiences with overcrowded classrooms and it really hits home. still working on setting up a meeting with the administration to show them exactly why this is a problem for our kids. thanks for sticking with me while we push for these changes.
June 26, 2015
i cannot believe how much momentum this has gained over the last few days. its honestly wild to see everyone coming together because they know our kids deserve better than these overcrowded classrooms.
12 Comments
My child already has attention difficulties but was very lucky to have an aide in his kindergarten classroom..
The main reason my family moved to Walpole was the outstanding school system. Please reconsider increasing our classroom sizes for our children!
Our young children deserve the best teaching they can get and not to be unfairly grouped into larger classes with less one on one time!
First grade is a criticial and formative year. Small class size gives both the teacher and student the opportunity for success in a more intimate and connected setting. It is an important building block for the years ahead.
I have a grand daughter going into firt grade at Elm. and urge you not to make the class sizes larger
Make a change. Do what's right for our kids, this countries future. Please do what is necessary to reduce the expected class size to benefit our children. Thank you Scott Spack
Elm always is highly regarded, it would be nice to stay that way- especially since the school system is a big reason why people move to Walpole.
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To our school administrators,
We are writing to appeal your decision to keep our rising First graders at Elm Street School in only three classes. The current class sizes of 22, 22 and 17 are already problematic, especially without any classroom aides. It is our understanding that class sizes will most definitely increase, to upwards of 27, due to the following expected additions:
- Metco students
- Partnership students
- Students who begin Elm in First grade
- New residents
As educators, I'm sure you recognize that even the current class sizes for this cohort are beyond the limits of what the research supports as best practices. One meta-analysis, reviewing 19 studies spanning several decades, found that "a class size of no more than 18 students per teacher is required to produce the greatest benefits." (1). Another meta-analysis conducted by the National Education Policy Center, concluded, "the evidence suggests that increasing class size will harm not only children’s test scores in the short run but also their long-term human capital formation. Money saved today by increasing class sizes will be offset by more substantial social and educational costs in the future." (2) Much of the research reviewed focused specifically on K-3 as incurring the most detriment in larger classrooms.
As parents, we of course want only the best for our children and want to ensure that each of them is afforded the time and attention that will promote their academic achievement, as well as their social and emotional well-being. Additionally, as Walpole residents and taxpayers, we are rather surprised to be facing this issue of overcrowded classrooms. We are aware of the vastly complicated nature of balancing the Town's mission to promote all Walpole students toward academic excellence, while working within the confines of the budget in an era of disappearing funding. However, we are deeply concerned to see these budget constraints pushing our most impressionable and vulnerable students into these unwieldy arrangements.
We implore you to reconsider the decision regarding the Elm Street School First grade classroom sizes for the 2015-2016 academic year.
Warm Regards,
Concerned Elm Parents
References
2. http://greatlakescenter.org/docs/Policy_Briefs/Schanzenbach_ClassSize.pdf
Updates
June 26, 2015
been reading through all the stories people are sharing about their own experiences with overcrowded classrooms and it really hits home. still working on setting up a meeting with the administration to show them exactly why this is a problem for our kids. thanks for sticking with me while we push for these changes.
June 26, 2015
i cannot believe how much momentum this has gained over the last few days. its honestly wild to see everyone coming together because they know our kids deserve better than these overcrowded classrooms.
12 Comments
Iam willing to outreach local universities for a coup or internship for student aids to help offer solution without affecting school budgets
My child already has attention difficulties but was very lucky to have an aide in his kindergarten classroom..
The main reason my family moved to Walpole was the outstanding school system. Please reconsider increasing our classroom sizes for our children!
Our young children deserve the best teaching they can get and not to be unfairly grouped into larger classes with less one on one time!
First grade is a criticial and formative year. Small class size gives both the teacher and student the opportunity for success in a more intimate and connected setting. It is an important building block for the years ahead.
I have a grand daughter going into firt grade at Elm. and urge you not to make the class sizes larger
Make a change. Do what's right for our kids, this countries future. Please do what is necessary to reduce the expected class size to benefit our children. Thank you Scott Spack
Elm always is highly regarded, it would be nice to stay that way- especially since the school system is a big reason why people move to Walpole.
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Iam willing to outreach local universities for a coup or internship for student aids to help offer solution without affecting school budgets