Budget cuts, budget cuts, budget cuts is all we are hearing in preparation for the 82nd Legislative Session here in Texas. What does this mean to you and your districts?
The 82nd Legislative Session convened on Tuesday, January 11th. One issue that has been brought to many people’s attention is the proposed increase of the student to teacher ratio in each classroom. In 1984, the law was passed that in each classroom there would be a 22:1 ratio of students to teachers. In the 80’s there was much talk about having fewer students per teacher in each classroom. In some states, they were keeping the number of students the same but increasing the number of teachers (example: 30:2) per classroom. Now, due to the budget crunches here in Texas, people are talking about more students in classrooms K-4, thus eliminating teachers and saving money in their district’s budgets. Some educators are concerned with a larger number of students in the lower grade levels, sighting that this time is crucial in a young child’s life when they are learning the basics. Some lawmakers want to see the 22:1 ratio take the shape of more of an average number per district. They say some teachers maybe able to handle more students in their classrooms, where as others may not.
What are your views on this issue? Should the whole state have a student to teacher-regulated ratio? Should each principal know his/her teachers and be able to determine the number of students that would best benefit in each classroom?
KTRK-TV in Houston, posted their newscast at http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/story?section=news/local&id=7881833, if you would like to view it.
This week in ASCD’s Smartbrief was an article from MercuryNews.com, on how larger class sizes in California are affecting students. If you would like to read this article, please click here: http://www.mercurynews.com/education/ci_17050096?nclick_check=1.
Feel free to answer the questions below:
1. What budget cuts is your district talking about for the next budgeting year?
2. How do you feel about the proposed increase in student to teacher ratio?
