As supporters of a child or children at Woodside Elementary School, we are concerned with the larger size of our kindergarten class in the 2016-2017 school year.
We, as supporters of children in the Rivervale School District, ask the School Board and Administration to:
1. Explore options to reallocate funds to support smaller class sizes or certified teaching assistants in classes over 18 students.
2. Make it an official priority to implement smaller class sizes in K-3 in accordance with the district's goal to help every child succeed.
We, the undersigned, support the Rivervale School District, and ask you to please consider our petition, making the necessary changes to support not only our students, but also our teachers and support staff.
*Small class size provides teachers a better opportunity to identify at risk students, and provide more individualized instruction.
*Small class size decreases disruption, distractions, and behavioral issues, giving teachers more time for instruction.
*Large class size puts our children at a disadvantage with other students from similar school districts who provide small classes.
*Large class size goes against research that shows increased achievement for children in smaller class sizes.
1* The Institute of Education Sciences, the research arm of the US Department of Education, concludes that class size reduction is one of only four, evidence-based reforms that have been proven to increase student achievement through rigorous, randomized experiments -- the "gold standard" of research. The other three reforms are one-on-one tutoring by qualified tutors for at-risk readers in grades 1st-3rd ; life-skills training for junior high students, and instruction for early readers in phonics.
2* The research has shown definitively that the K-3 are optimal years for such programs, and in part because of the more recent and comprehensive evidence from Tennessee’s influential Project STAR (Student/Teacher Achievement Ratio). (For more information on Project STAR, visit http://www.heros-inc.org/star.htm.)
From this review of the research, we can scientifically document several important findings about reduced class size, which local school districts may find useful:
- Smaller classes in the early grades (K-3) can boost student academic achievement;
- A class size of no more than 18 students per teacher is required to produce the greatest benefits;
- A program spanning grades K-3 will produce more benefits than a program that reaches students in only one or two of the primary grades;
Implementation of programs
Class-size reduction programs in grades K-3 have been implemented in different ways. Some programs focus on student-teacher ratio, while others restructure classes in some way
Restructuring classesSmall classes may vary in other ways, in addition to student-teacher ratio, depending upon school leadership, facilities, and teaching staff, as well as official policy. The typical model is one teacher in one classroom teaching an assigned number of students, but other models have been implemented.
Project STAR defined two categories of reduced size classes:
- Classes of 13 to 17 students taught by one teacher; and
- Classes of 22-26 taught by a teacher and a teacher’s aide.
1 U.S. Department of Education Institute of Education Sciences, “Identifying and Implementing Educational Practices Supported by Rigorous Evidence: a User Friendly Guide,” December 2003 at: http://www.ed.gov/rschstat/research/pubs/rigorousevid/rigorousevid.pdf
14 Comments
After observing my son's Kindergarten class this year I was shocked that there was only one teacher and my first thought was how are the kids expected to learn when they have to work so independently at age 5/6. Our children would benefit greatly from additional help in the younger classes.
Smaller class sizes would be great! I was expecting class sizes to average 16-18 so was surprised to see a class of 21.
We recently moved to River Vale for its commitment to excellence in education, as well as its strong sense of community. River Vale is a wonderful town to raise a family and we can absolutely expect more young families to move to River Vale just like we did. Therefore, we need to plan for the continued growth in our K-3 student populations. As more and more young families continue to make the move from Rockland County to Bergen County, we need to take the necessary steps to maintain optimal class sizes, instructional support and services in our elementary schools. Lets all support this initiative and continue to uphold River Vale as the attractive and wonderful destination for young families that it is.
The work demands are going to increase significantly in 1st grade. Our kids need the support of a smaller class size to academically progress.
My daughter Nina requires encouragement and extra time, I'm very afraid that she would get lost in a larger class, especially seeing the pace at which I know she must perform next year. Thank you for considering this very important request. Alicia Nigro 201 468 2230
A small classroom setting is key to higher student learning and participation which ultimately leads to student academic success. It's extreamly crucial in an elementary school setting.
I fully support this effort to create smaller class sizes for our children to ensure that their learning is optimized and frustration, lack of assistance is minimized
Sign Petition
We never post to your account. Social sign-in is used only to verify your signature.
Add a comment?
Your signature will be added via . Tell others why you're signing — it's optional.
By signing, you accept our Terms and Privacy Policy and agree to occasional emails about petitions. Unsubscribe anytime.
Share this petition
Share this petition to help it reach more people.
Your share link
As supporters of a child or children at Woodside Elementary School, we are concerned with the larger size of our kindergarten class in the 2016-2017 school year.
We, as supporters of children in the Rivervale School District, ask the School Board and Administration to:
1. Explore options to reallocate funds to support smaller class sizes or certified teaching assistants in classes over 18 students.
2. Make it an official priority to implement smaller class sizes in K-3 in accordance with the district's goal to help every child succeed.
We, the undersigned, support the Rivervale School District, and ask you to please consider our petition, making the necessary changes to support not only our students, but also our teachers and support staff.
*Small class size provides teachers a better opportunity to identify at risk students, and provide more individualized instruction.
*Small class size decreases disruption, distractions, and behavioral issues, giving teachers more time for instruction.
*Large class size puts our children at a disadvantage with other students from similar school districts who provide small classes.
*Large class size goes against research that shows increased achievement for children in smaller class sizes.
1* The Institute of Education Sciences, the research arm of the US Department of Education, concludes that class size reduction is one of only four, evidence-based reforms that have been proven to increase student achievement through rigorous, randomized experiments -- the "gold standard" of research. The other three reforms are one-on-one tutoring by qualified tutors for at-risk readers in grades 1st-3rd ; life-skills training for junior high students, and instruction for early readers in phonics.
2* The research has shown definitively that the K-3 are optimal years for such programs, and in part because of the more recent and comprehensive evidence from Tennessee’s influential Project STAR (Student/Teacher Achievement Ratio). (For more information on Project STAR, visit http://www.heros-inc.org/star.htm.)
From this review of the research, we can scientifically document several important findings about reduced class size, which local school districts may find useful:
- Smaller classes in the early grades (K-3) can boost student academic achievement;
- A class size of no more than 18 students per teacher is required to produce the greatest benefits;
- A program spanning grades K-3 will produce more benefits than a program that reaches students in only one or two of the primary grades;
Implementation of programs
Class-size reduction programs in grades K-3 have been implemented in different ways. Some programs focus on student-teacher ratio, while others restructure classes in some way
Restructuring classesSmall classes may vary in other ways, in addition to student-teacher ratio, depending upon school leadership, facilities, and teaching staff, as well as official policy. The typical model is one teacher in one classroom teaching an assigned number of students, but other models have been implemented.
Project STAR defined two categories of reduced size classes:
- Classes of 13 to 17 students taught by one teacher; and
- Classes of 22-26 taught by a teacher and a teacher’s aide.
1 U.S. Department of Education Institute of Education Sciences, “Identifying and Implementing Educational Practices Supported by Rigorous Evidence: a User Friendly Guide,” December 2003 at: http://www.ed.gov/rschstat/research/pubs/rigorousevid/rigorousevid.pdf
14 Comments
I'm completely for smaller class sizes, and I think this could make a big difference in our children's education. Kindergarten to first grade is a huge transition and smaller class sizes and/or having an extra assistant in the classroom would be most effective.
After observing my son's Kindergarten class this year I was shocked that there was only one teacher and my first thought was how are the kids expected to learn when they have to work so independently at age 5/6. Our children would benefit greatly from additional help in the younger classes.
Smaller class sizes would be great! I was expecting class sizes to average 16-18 so was surprised to see a class of 21.
We recently moved to River Vale for its commitment to excellence in education, as well as its strong sense of community. River Vale is a wonderful town to raise a family and we can absolutely expect more young families to move to River Vale just like we did. Therefore, we need to plan for the continued growth in our K-3 student populations. As more and more young families continue to make the move from Rockland County to Bergen County, we need to take the necessary steps to maintain optimal class sizes, instructional support and services in our elementary schools. Lets all support this initiative and continue to uphold River Vale as the attractive and wonderful destination for young families that it is.
The work demands are going to increase significantly in 1st grade. Our kids need the support of a smaller class size to academically progress.
My daughter Nina requires encouragement and extra time, I'm very afraid that she would get lost in a larger class, especially seeing the pace at which I know she must perform next year. Thank you for considering this very important request. Alicia Nigro 201 468 2230
A small classroom setting is key to higher student learning and participation which ultimately leads to student academic success. It's extreamly crucial in an elementary school setting.
I fully support this effort to create smaller class sizes for our children to ensure that their learning is optimized and frustration, lack of assistance is minimized
Help this petition grow
Share it with friends to help reach 100 signatures.
Sign Petition
We never post to your account. Social sign-in is used only to verify your signature.
Add a comment?
Your signature will be added via .
Tell others why you're signing — it's optional.
Signing with Google or Facebook verifies your signature instantly — no email needed.
By signing, you accept our Terms and Privacy Policy and agree to occasional emails about petitions. Unsubscribe anytime.
Share this petition
Share this petition to help it reach more people.
Your share link
Petitions like this
Other petitions you might want to support
Scan to share
Anyone who scans this can sign the petition.
I'm completely for smaller class sizes, and I think this could make a big difference in our children's education. Kindergarten to first grade is a huge transition and smaller class sizes and/or having an extra assistant in the classroom would be most effective.