In elementary school, my two girls had class sizes between 19 -24, often with a teacher and an aide. This was a great system.
Now, in high school, they have classes with more than 30 students and one teacher. Often in classrooms with not enough desks and definitely not enough time. I am only a parent, not an educator or a wise Council member or even a concerned member of the Board of Education, but I believe this could have an effect on student testing and performance; however, I will leave that assessment to you.
Students and teachers are counting, albeit with newly-honed common core skills, to do the right thing. The availability to participate in a 1 hour class with 30 minutes of materials, leaves less that one minute of interaction per pupil, even less if the instructor needs to respond! In a classroom with 34 students, you are expecting a teacher to engage and evaluate students with a wide range of learning skills, aptitudes and other variables. The ability to effectively assess all 30+ students is compromised and time for identifying deficiencies is reduced and possibly overlooked,not to mention the engagement of all the students to inspire them to learn.
And let's not forget non-academic opportunities which are critical aspects of the learning and growing process. The likelihood of making a school team, getting a part in the drama productions, etc. is severely reduced as school sizes rise.
Are we serious about giving our children a quality education and cultivating and encouraging the creative genius that resides in each and every child, or are we trying to save a buck and get re-elected. The time to act was yesterday, the time to remedy your inaction is now!
L
Laura Fu
10 years ago
Need additions for these 2 schools asap!
J
janet waxman
10 years ago
We need to keep classes as small as possible so that the gifted, the average, and those who are slower can progress as best they can!
A
Anonymous
10 years ago
It being tax season, I couldn't help but notice that Montgomery County added 3.2% to my state tax bill, the highest such percentage by any county in Maryland. If Montgomery County is accountable to me for any portion of my payment, I want it invested in the Pyle and Whitman additions. Now.
A
Anonymous
10 years ago
Expanding the size of Pyle and Whitman are urgent and for our kids safety.
B
Bobbi Kraham
10 years ago
Please keep Montgomey County Schools among best in the country. Overcrowding will inhibit this.
M
Marcella Fezza
10 years ago
These additions are long overdue. They must be a top priority for our students.
J
Jodi Danis
10 years ago
Failing to create the necessary physical space at these schools threatens safety, learning, and the previously high ranking of these schools that have attracted families and business to Bethesda. It is unconscionable to approve the Westbard Sector Plan without the County or developers being required to fund these needed school additions.
A
Anonymous
10 years ago
Our kids are the future of this country. They need every chance they can to learn effectively and excel. Give them the tools they need to do so-- which includes enough space in school.
T
Tracy Waldeck
10 years ago
Expanding the size of Pyle and Whitman are urgent and should not be delayed.
J
Jill Tanenbaum
10 years ago
This is not fair to the children. It is scary to think that some have to wait in the classroom before going to the next class. This has got to stop
K
Kathleen Murphy
10 years ago
The hallways are literally too crowded to move between classes. The smaller sixth graders choose to wait until just before the bell to venture out into the jungle.
K
Karen Anderson
10 years ago
overcrowding impacts our kids on all levels- time to stop growth of new housing or build another middle school.
L
Lisa Crum
10 years ago
Please keep on track with our schools!!
A
Andrew Watson
10 years ago
My daughter, who has just started at Pyle, confirms the overcrowding. I dread to think how bad it will be when she is in grades 7, 8, 9, etc. It will get worse unless the additions go ahead in a timely manner.
A
Anonymous
10 years ago
Daughter's Spanish class at Whitman has 37 kids. When asked how the kids can learn teacher said they teach each other. Lol
A
Andy Rosenthal
10 years ago
Funding must be included in the budget.
R
Radhika Sinha
10 years ago
The Pyle and Whitman additions must go on
R
Robin Klugman
10 years ago
The schools do not adequately meet the students needs now. Upgrades are also needed to keep pace with projected enrollment.
K
Kelly Parsons
10 years ago
Additions and improvements are constantly needed--plan ahead and stay on track!
In elementary school, my two girls had class sizes between 19 -24, often with a teacher and an aide. This was a great system. Now, in high school, they have classes with more than 30 students and one teacher. Often in classrooms with not enough desks and definitely not enough time. I am only a parent, not an educator or a wise Council member or even a concerned member of the Board of Education, but I believe this could have an effect on student testing and performance; however, I will leave that assessment to you. Students and teachers are counting, albeit with newly-honed common core skills, to do the right thing. The availability to participate in a 1 hour class with 30 minutes of materials, leaves less that one minute of interaction per pupil, even less if the instructor needs to respond! In a classroom with 34 students, you are expecting a teacher to engage and evaluate students with a wide range of learning skills, aptitudes and other variables. The ability to effectively assess all 30+ students is compromised and time for identifying deficiencies is reduced and possibly overlooked,not to mention the engagement of all the students to inspire them to learn. And let's not forget non-academic opportunities which are critical aspects of the learning and growing process. The likelihood of making a school team, getting a part in the drama productions, etc. is severely reduced as school sizes rise. Are we serious about giving our children a quality education and cultivating and encouraging the creative genius that resides in each and every child, or are we trying to save a buck and get re-elected. The time to act was yesterday, the time to remedy your inaction is now!
Need additions for these 2 schools asap!
We need to keep classes as small as possible so that the gifted, the average, and those who are slower can progress as best they can!
It being tax season, I couldn't help but notice that Montgomery County added 3.2% to my state tax bill, the highest such percentage by any county in Maryland. If Montgomery County is accountable to me for any portion of my payment, I want it invested in the Pyle and Whitman additions. Now.
Expanding the size of Pyle and Whitman are urgent and for our kids safety.
Please keep Montgomey County Schools among best in the country. Overcrowding will inhibit this.
These additions are long overdue. They must be a top priority for our students.
Failing to create the necessary physical space at these schools threatens safety, learning, and the previously high ranking of these schools that have attracted families and business to Bethesda. It is unconscionable to approve the Westbard Sector Plan without the County or developers being required to fund these needed school additions.
Our kids are the future of this country. They need every chance they can to learn effectively and excel. Give them the tools they need to do so-- which includes enough space in school.
Expanding the size of Pyle and Whitman are urgent and should not be delayed.
This is not fair to the children. It is scary to think that some have to wait in the classroom before going to the next class. This has got to stop
The hallways are literally too crowded to move between classes. The smaller sixth graders choose to wait until just before the bell to venture out into the jungle.
overcrowding impacts our kids on all levels- time to stop growth of new housing or build another middle school.
Please keep on track with our schools!!
My daughter, who has just started at Pyle, confirms the overcrowding. I dread to think how bad it will be when she is in grades 7, 8, 9, etc. It will get worse unless the additions go ahead in a timely manner.
Daughter's Spanish class at Whitman has 37 kids. When asked how the kids can learn teacher said they teach each other. Lol
Funding must be included in the budget.
The Pyle and Whitman additions must go on
The schools do not adequately meet the students needs now. Upgrades are also needed to keep pace with projected enrollment.
Additions and improvements are constantly needed--plan ahead and stay on track!