Why we need a maximum class size
If we examine the history of primary class size over the last decade, it is clear thatsignificant progress has occurred. The current government made an earlycommitment to reduce primary class size, and targeted significant resourcestowards this goal.
According to ETFO’s class size survey for 2007-08, the average class size at theprimary level is 19. This is virtually identical to the number that the Ministry ofEducation cites.
Average class size is important. However, averages never tell the full story of whatgoes on in classrooms. Our data reveals that there are still major obstacles tocreating optimal teaching and learning conditions at the primary level. While theMinistry’s goal is a class size cap of 20 pupils in the primary grades, ETFO dataindicates that a number of Kindergarten classes exceed that number and alsoexceed the second tier primary class size cap of 23 students. The Ministry hasexempted classes for students in the Early Learning Program from their ownclass size cap expectation. Currently there are some JK/SK classes in the EarlyLearning Program with numbers in the low 30s, and many more have 25 or morestudents. This must be rectified.
Average class size is important. However, averages never tell the full story of whatgoes on in classrooms. Our data reveals that there are still major obstacles tocreating optimal teaching and learning conditions at the primary level. While theMinistry’s goal is a class size cap of 20 pupils in the primary grades, ETFO data indicates that a number of Kindergarten classes exceed that number and alsoexceed the second tier primary class size cap of 23 students. The Ministry has exempted classes for students in the Early Learning Program from their own class size cap expectation. Currently there are some JK/SK classes in the Early Learning Program with numbers in the low 30s, and many more have 25 or more students. This must be rectified.
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