Why are we advocating for smaller classes?

 

Benefits of Smaller Classes Improves achievement for all students Helps close the achievement gap for poor and minority students Aids in recruiting & retaining good teachers Reduces the dropout rate Cuts down on disciplinary & behavior problems Increases parent involvement Keeps students from fleeing city schools

New York City has the largest classes in the state and some of the largest in the country. Numerous studies have shown that class size has a direct connection to academic achievement. Having fewer children per class allows teachers to provide individualized attention and assistance to students. Parents and educators know that smaller classes work, and say reducing class size is one of their top priorities.

One of the most difficult problems faced by NYC schools is the achievement gap. The vast majority of our students come from the very groups that research shows benefit the most from smaller classes – minority, immigrant and low-income students or students with disabilities. In fact, according to the State Education Department, less than 10% of New York City students do not belong to one of these groups.

Another key benefit of reducing class sizes is that it significantly improves the ability to attract and retain qualified teachers, an area where city schools have long had difficulties. In addition, research shows that smaller classes lead to increased parent involvement which, in itself, has been demonstrated to improve student achievement.

The number of dropouts, unacceptably high in NYC, decreases when class size is reduced. Smaller classes have also been shown to considerably cut down on student disciplinary and behavior problems. This is one reason why smaller classes are particularly important in the middle and upper grades as well, for the sake of our children’s safety.

Small class size is high on the list of attributes that parents seek when looking for a school, and is often cited as a reason why parents choose to remove their children from city public schools in favor of private schools, or move to the suburbs where smaller classes are the norm.

Our children, our communities and our city will benefit economically and socially if we reduce class size. A sound education will give public school children the tools they need to participate in a competitive workforce.

Children in the rest of New York State have smaller classes – NYC children deserve an equal chance to learn!

Why a Charter Amendment?

New York City is governed by its charter, and a charter amendment would make smaller classes a matter of law, not an annual budget negotiation.  This is an opportunity for all New Yorkers to have a direct role in solving this problem which has plagued our public schools for too long.