New web page provides school class size amendment information
Back in 2002 Florida voters approved a Constitutional Amendment that set limits on the number of students in “core subject” classes in the state’s public schools. Districts have been working with schoolwide averages for the student/teacher ratios, based on grade level, since the law was adopted.
The amendment is slated for full implementation during the 2010/11 school year meaning schools can no longer use an average when calculating class size per grade level; they must have every single class meet the established ratios (18-1 grades Prek-3; 22-1 grades 4-8; 25-1 grades 9-12.)
However, during the 2010 Legislative Session, the Florida Legislature approved a joint resolution that will appear on the November 2010 ballot allowing voters to tweak the law and provide schools the ability to continue calculating the class size at the schoolwide average.
“We’ve said all along that keeping class size down is a positive, but that the schoolwide average was the best way to do so,” said Dr. James Browder, Superintendent of Schools. “This gives school principals the flexibility to do what is right for students based on their individual needs while listening to the intent of the voters to keep class size down.”
To help provide information to voters, the Florida Department of Education has created a Web page that contains a wealth of information on the Class Size Amendment. There is a link to this site on the District’s Web site (www.leeschools.net) under the News & Events section of the main page.
While the law may change in November based on what voters decide, Lee County Public Schools has been working to prepare for full implementation of the Amendment for 2010/11. This includes hiring extra teachers needed to ensure a class-by-class compliance. Staff has also been exploring the possible use of long-term substitute teachers and recently, the Foundation for Lee County Public Schools provided a suggestion that the District recruit recently retired instructors, which District staff is currently researching to determine if that is feasible.
If you have any questions, please visit the District’s Web site (www.leeschools.net).