Another Rumor About Class Size

This afternoon, a friend sent me Steve Lopez's great story on his meeting with UTLA leader AJ Duffy. It ran in Sunday's Los Angeles Times. http://ow.ly/jDu7 For those who have never had the pleasure, Mr. Duffy is exactly as described. If you haven't read it, I recommend that you do. It sheds a little light on why things are like they are and the Union's position on reform. 

My friend also mentioned that she had heard a very disturbing rumor. Apparently, it's going around that Superintendent Cortines' plan calls for kindergarten through third grade class sizes to jump to 36:1 next year. The reason, she'd heard, is lack of stimulus money. Part of what MOMS UNITE is about is ensuring that parents know the real story so that they can make decisions based in fact and not rumor and speculation. I hadn't heard this particular rumor, but I also haven't spoken with the Superintendent in a few weeks. Anything could have happened.

The first thing you need to know is that it's not true. Its actually not legally possible for grades K-3 class sizes to be that large. I was assured by Mr. Cortines' second in command that in fact, at the elementary level, it is totally unlikely that the class sizes would ever be over 30:1. Granted, this isn't the greatest ratio in the world, but it's certainly better than 36:1. 

Based on the budget numbers approved by the Board, the class size will break down as such:

• For grades K-3, the norms went up to 24:1. Given the money there is, it will most likely come out to 22:1 in the average classroom.
• For grades 4-5, the norms went to 27:1. It is very likely that this too will go down. 

Again, I urge you to email me at victoria@moms-unite.org if you've  heard a rumor that doesn't make sense and I'll do my best to find out the real story. The news might not always be good, but at least you'll understand why.

ANNOUNCEMENT

If you have a chance, please try to make one of the District's town hall meetings to learn about the motion that Board member Yolie Flores and Board President Monica Garcia have put forward regarding school choices.  The meeting schedule is:

Monday, August 10 @ 6:00-7:00 p.m. – Roosevelt HS 

Tuesday, August 11 @ 6:00-7:00 p.m. – Maywood Academy

Wednesday, August 12 @ 6:00-7:00 p.m. – Sepulveda MS

Thursday, August 13 @ 6:00-7:00 p.m. – Central City Neighborhood Partners

Monday, August 17 @ 6:00-7:00 p.m. – Hamilton HS

Tuesday, August 18 @ 6:007-00 p.m. Gardena HS

Thursday, August 20 @ 6:00-7:00 p.m. – Jordan HS

The motion is set for vote on August 25 and it's in everyone's best interest to understand exactly what it is about and how your school would be affected if it passes.

Stay tuned for more developments.

 Victoria

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MOMS UNITE is a grassroots parent advocacy group devoted to improving public education in California. www.moms-unite.org

To join, please send your contact information to join@moms-unite.org.  Join our Facebook group and follow us on Twitter @MOMSUNITE.