Particularly at the elementary level, students are better learners and are more likely to achieve long-term success when they are in smaller classrooms and as teachers are better able to dedicate time to the individual needs of students. However, in recent years, many students have been learning in classes with sizes that hinder students’ maximum academic potential and challenge the ability of teachers to provide adequate attention to each student.
 
My legislation would amend the Public School Code to establish maximum class sizes and student-to-teacher ratios within K-12 education. For example, kindergarten classes would be limited to 24 students to one teacher with no class exceeding 29 students and, if there are more than 24 students, a full-time teacher’s aide or second teacher must be assigned to the class. If any class in a school exceeds the limit, the school must notify the parents of affected students, as well as the Pennsylvania Department of Education, informing these parties of their plan to reduce the number of students in the class to come back into compliance.
 
Establishing maximum class sizes will help both students and staff. Research shows that students in smaller classes earn higher test scores and are more likely to graduate high school and eventually apply to college. This correlation is likely due to students in smaller classes being able to better receive individualized support from their teachers, as well as adequate access to school supplies. According to the National Education Association, 90% of surveyed teachers believe smaller class sizes would help students. Further, it is believed that oversized classes can cause burnout among teachers, which may contribute to the teacher shortages that we are experiencing throughout Pennsylvania.
 
Please consider co-sponsoring this legislation that will provide a better learning experience for both students and teachers by establishing maximum class sizes in our public schools.