Since the first studies were done in 1852, it’s been known that a small class size results in better education for students. Every teacher is deeply committed to the success of every child and they know that the smaller the class size, the bigger the impact they can have for each of their students.
As a teacher of nine years, I’m not afraid of accountability. I find it my responsibility to foster a safe and supportive learning environment and to work to reach and motivate each student. That being said, it is everyone’s responsibility to give me the tools to accomplish this.
Washington ranks 47th in the nation in class size. Initiative 1351 would mandate class sizes at a level that would put Washington in the middle of the pack in class size. Yes, it is true that new buildings will not be built overnight to accommodate these class sizes, but this initiative allows for the necessary extra staff to be in the classroom if there is not enough space to create new classrooms. This way, it might be possible that the teacher who is trying to teach Common Core skills to 26 kindergartners, creating the foundation for the rest of their schooling, might have an extra teacher in the room to help. I urge you to vote “yes” on Initiative 1351.
Rob Lutz
Vancouver
