First published on @TCFKSM on June 19, 2013
"Several studies of Los Angeles schools showed substantial gains from class size reduction. One found that smaller classes increased reading scores by 9.5%, math scores by 13.9% and language scores by 14.5%, with double these gains for "high need" students. Two other controlled studies also show significant gains in Los Angeles, with effect sizes that increased the longer the child remained in smaller classes, and gains that persisted into higher grades." — Leonie Haimson, Executive Director, Class Size Matters
The illustrious Leonie Haimson did overtime in preparing an amicus research brief for a school district all the way across the country from her New York City. Later that week she sent me and other activists a heads up on a poll released by a newly formed grouping of Nonprofit Industrial Complex (NPIC) members. At first I didn't understand the bar graphs because they were so confusing. Leonie patiently pointed out that the graphs actually supported our cause, in other words the NPICs wanted people to be as confused as I was, but the truth was right there. Despite all their Gates Foundation talking points about "teacher quality," "effective evaluations," and all the other corporate reform speak, it turns out that even the staunchest enemies of public education can't avoid the truth that... well, class size matters.
Here's my initial note to local education colleagues, which contains my uncensored thoughts on NPICs:
When I get time I'm going to write an article about this, but Leonie Haimson of Class Size Matters sent me a very interesting find.
The new right-wing consortium of greedy charter executives, NPICs, and political opportunists known as CLASS (Communities for Los Angeles Student Success) held a survey in which, in their words, "Over 100 community leaders weigh in on the leadership and direction of our public schools." Unbelievably, the district hosts the document on their site:
http://home.lausd.net/ourpages/auto/2013/4/11/48538438/PathwaysForward-CommunitySurveyReport.pdf
See the forth bar chart entitled: "Ranking Important Investment Areas" copied here for your convenience.
What's interesting is that despite them deviously trying to hide it by aggregating the data of first, second, and third choices, it turns out that the number one concern of first choice responses was "Reduction in class sizes" at 28%.
In other words, even CLASS' own polling of so called "community leaders" agree on the critical importance of class size. A media campaign pointing out that even Deasy's closest allies support reducing class size would be a great way of using their own propaganda against themselves.
Here's my toned down version that was sent to all the member of the Los Angeles Unified School District Board of Education (the resolution passed by the way):
Even Communities for Los Angeles Student Success agree on the critical importance of class size
As the Honorable Members of the Board of Education consider Mr. Kayser's "To Engage the Los Angeles Unified School District Community and Establish Fiscal Priorities" and other resolutions, it may help to have some additional evidence.
While it's no secret that I don't hold the nonprofit industrial complex in high esteem, I do follow their mechanizations in the sphere of education. In the process of gathering information in support of class size reduction, Leonie Haimson of Class Size Matters sent me a very interesting find.
The newly formed local consortium known as CLASS (Communities for Los Angeles Student Success) recently held a survey in which, in their words, "Over 100 community leaders weigh in on the leadership and direction of our public schools." The district hosts the document on the LAUSD site:
http://home.lausd.net/ourpages/auto/2013/4/11/48538438/PathwaysForward-CommunitySurveyReport.pdf
See the forth bar chart entitled: "Ranking Important Investment Areas" copied here for your convenience.
What's interesting is that despite CLASS deviously trying to hide it by aggregating the data of first, second, and third choices, it turns out that the number one concern of first choice responses was "Reduction in class sizes" at 28%.
In other words, even CLASS' own polling of so called "community leaders" agree on the critical importance of class size. It's rare that you see groups of their persuasion agreeing with social justice advocates, but happy coincidences are just that. I am also resending the amicus research brief from Class Size Matters in support of LAUSD reducing class sizes.
Let's do what's best for students. I urge you all to vote yes on the To Engage the Los Angeles Unified School District Community and Establish Fiscal Priorities resolution.
Advocating public education and social justice
Robert D. Skeels
Benefits of Class Size Reduction for LAUSD by Robert D. Skeels
My sister is a teacher who has succeeded in raising scores, typically getting the top scores for her students (1st and 2nd grade). Her technique is to get parents to volunteer in the classroom. It's a combo class of two grades, and two instructors. The class is divided into four pods. By adding one parent, they effectively reduce their class size by 25%. (This is sounding like a word problem.)
ReplyDeleteThe parent teaches a less-intensive topic, and the teachers cover the more intensive ones. They rotate pods, so everyone gets all the material.
The parent, by default, is a disciplinary authority figure, and that helps maintain control in the classroom. Also, the parents get to see how the class is run and can see how home life and school can reinforce each other; they try to rotate all the parents into the class. That requires some deep community organizing, particularly because part of the student body are working class, and some are English learners.
Despite her success and popularity with parents, she's stressed out because she feels she doesn't get support from the administration. What a situation. I think I would have liked school a lot more if my sister were my teacher!