While we are on the subject of class size and the desirability of achieving lower student-teacher ratios, I have to ask is there any data, and by “data,” I mean that which is gained by scientifically conducted research that establishes a direct link between reductions in class size and increases in student performance?
I could be wrong, but I do not believe there is any such data. There is, for sure, a lot of writing on the subject, and those who are in pursuit of lower ratios often quote one another, but I do not believe anyone has ever made a successful connection between lowering the student-teacher ratio and raising student performance based on a scientific study.
That being the case, the problem created by Initiative 1351 is solved. There is no need to pursue lower student-teacher ratios, because nothing will happen after we incur all of the expenses of doing so.
Phil McMichael
Vancouver
