Ventura County Grand Jury • 1996-1997

Class Size Reduction, Grades K-3

Published: February 16, 1997 4 pages
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Findings 3 findings

F1
Since the program was implemented just prior to opening of school in the fall, there was very little time for local school districts to plan for classroom rearrangement, to hire additional teachers, and to order needed portable buildings to accommodate the larger number of rooms needed. As a result there was strong competition among districts to hire additional fully credentialed teachers from an available inadequate pool of teachers. In some instances, the pool of substitutes was depleted as well as the pool of students who were just completing their teaching preparation. As of December, 1996, school districts sought and hired 335 additional teachers.
F2
Since state funding does not fully cover all expenses, local school districts have decided to allocate additional general funds to solve the shortfall in state funding. In the opinion of the school leadership, the 20% increase in operating cost is outweighed by the advantages to the children by having a smaller pupil/ teacher ratio.
F3
The general attitude of those interviewed was that everyone involved on a local level - parents, teachers and staff-was determined to succeed, viewing the advantages to children of individual instruction and response to individual strengths as paramount to any other inconveniences encountered. 93 - - COMMENDATION The local school districts, in spite of space, personnel, and fiscal problems, have responded well to this phase of the program. The local district leadership is to be - complemented for so quickly undertaking a massive change with such promising long term results. .,

Recommendations 5