By Len Feldman
A measure that would boost class size by up to three students in existing K-3 classes has gained the approval of the Assembly Education Committee.
CTA-opposed AB 2431 by Assembly Education Chair Jackie Goldberg (D-Los Angeles) would expand the class size reduction program to new grades in schools with the lowest rankings on the state's Academic Performance Index (API). Unfortunately, instead of providing new funds to underwrite the program, it would get the money by increasing class size in other schools.
The bill cleared the Assembly Education Committee on a 7-4 vote April 26.
CTA fought hard to win the implementation of the class size reduction program that capped enrollment at 20 students per classroom in certain grades. Over the years, lawmakers have tried to adjust the numbers or provide local flexibility, but CTA has defeated the bills. The Goldberg bill would boost the K-3 class-size cap to 23 students in Decile 7-10 schools and 22 students in Decile 4-6 schools.
CTA supports capping class sizes at 20 students per teacher in all grades and opposes all legislation that represent backpedaling. Allowing the 20-student ceiling to be broken in the lower grades would undermine efforts to make 20-1 a reality in all K-12 classrooms.