We, the parents of students at Glenn Stephens Elementary School, urge the Madison Metropolitan School District Board of Education to recognize
- the numerous studies confirming the beneficial effect of reducing class size to no more than 18 students in grades K-3, especially for low-income and minority students;
- the unusually large enrollment in the Stephens first-grade cohort causing class sizes to increase to 24-25 students per class; and
- the inequity of Stephens being ineligible for state SAGE/AGR funding to reduce class size notwithstanding Stephens having a higher proportion of low-income, minority, and English language learner (ELL) students than other Madison schools receiving such funding.
In light of the above, we further urge the Board to adopt all measures appropriate to address the class size disparity, including:
- An additional classroom and staff allocation in the 2017-18 school year for Stephens' second-grade class; and
- Adequate funding for all schools to target 18 students per class in grades K-3.
15 Comments
As a teacher, I know firsthand the positive impact smaller class sizes make in the educational experiences for ALL students. I hope the board will ensure that funding for adequate classroom teacher allocation can be protected so that students across MMSD have equal access to smaller class sizes, (Especially 4k-2nd grade classes)
As parent of an ELL student , I request additional classroom and staff allocation in the 2017-18 school year for Stephens' second-grade class; and adequate funding for all schools to target 18 students per class. Our kids and teachers deserve it!
We've watched our son's first grade class grow from 18 to 24 students as the year has progressed, and understand that this is consistent with all of the first grade classrooms at Stephens. What accommodations are being made now and what is planned for the coming year to ensure that ALL students have a quality learning experience? And why hasn't all potential funding sources been applied for if the student population meets the criteria?
The lack of neighborhood schools for disadvantaged students along with the large class size perpetuate the bias against those students by denying them the additional resources they would otherwise receive.
I agree that the current class sizes are too big to fully meet the needs of each and every student in the classroom. When student numbers are too high classroom management takes precedence over student learning. I am concerned that my child will not have the tools and knowledge my eldest did upon entering second grade.
Smaller class sizes at all MMSD schools. Research and common sense support this.
The classrooms are busting at the seams as it is currently!
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We, the parents of students at Glenn Stephens Elementary School, urge the Madison Metropolitan School District Board of Education to recognize
- the numerous studies confirming the beneficial effect of reducing class size to no more than 18 students in grades K-3, especially for low-income and minority students;
- the unusually large enrollment in the Stephens first-grade cohort causing class sizes to increase to 24-25 students per class; and
- the inequity of Stephens being ineligible for state SAGE/AGR funding to reduce class size notwithstanding Stephens having a higher proportion of low-income, minority, and English language learner (ELL) students than other Madison schools receiving such funding.
In light of the above, we further urge the Board to adopt all measures appropriate to address the class size disparity, including:
- An additional classroom and staff allocation in the 2017-18 school year for Stephens' second-grade class; and
- Adequate funding for all schools to target 18 students per class in grades K-3.
15 Comments
I have subbed for 2nd grade. The class size is not conducive to meeting the needs of our young learners
As a teacher, I know firsthand the positive impact smaller class sizes make in the educational experiences for ALL students. I hope the board will ensure that funding for adequate classroom teacher allocation can be protected so that students across MMSD have equal access to smaller class sizes, (Especially 4k-2nd grade classes)
As parent of an ELL student , I request additional classroom and staff allocation in the 2017-18 school year for Stephens' second-grade class; and adequate funding for all schools to target 18 students per class. Our kids and teachers deserve it!
We've watched our son's first grade class grow from 18 to 24 students as the year has progressed, and understand that this is consistent with all of the first grade classrooms at Stephens. What accommodations are being made now and what is planned for the coming year to ensure that ALL students have a quality learning experience? And why hasn't all potential funding sources been applied for if the student population meets the criteria?
The lack of neighborhood schools for disadvantaged students along with the large class size perpetuate the bias against those students by denying them the additional resources they would otherwise receive.
I agree that the current class sizes are too big to fully meet the needs of each and every student in the classroom. When student numbers are too high classroom management takes precedence over student learning. I am concerned that my child will not have the tools and knowledge my eldest did upon entering second grade.
Smaller class sizes at all MMSD schools. Research and common sense support this.
The classrooms are busting at the seams as it is currently!
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I have subbed for 2nd grade. The class size is not conducive to meeting the needs of our young learners