http://www.allamericanpatriots.com/48733774_joseph_biden_joe_biden_senators_biden_murray_introduce_bill_reduce_class_sizeOctober 1, 2007 -- Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Joe Biden (D-DE) joined with Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) today to introduce a bill today that would substantially reduce the average class size in schools nationwide. The bill, the Class Size Reduction Act of 2007, would provide $2 billion in funding to hire 100,000 new teachers to reduce class size, particularly in the early grades.
“Research has consistently shown that small classes, particularly in the early grades, improve student performance,” said Sen. Biden. “When a teacher is responsible for a classroom of 25, 30, or more students, how can we expect each student to receive enough time and attention? One pillar of our education system should be small classes.” . . .
. . . Under the Murray-Biden bill, states and districts would receive funding to reduce average class size to 18 students in order to create a continuum of small classes for students as they progress from kindergarten to third grade and beyond. For districts and schools that have already reduced class size to an average of 18 students in those early grades, funds can be used to further reduce class size in the early grades, to reduce class size in subsequent grades, or to improve instructional practices in small classes.
Promoting smaller classes will enable teachers to spend more time on instruction and less time on discipline and classroom management. Recognizing that smaller classes require different types and methods of instruction, funding may be used for professional development to support high quality instructional practices. The bill also establishes a web-based National Clearinghouse on Class Size that would make research, best practices, and resources on small classroom instruction easily accessible to the education community. Additionally, the legislation requires an independent evaluation to be conducted to determine the impact and effectiveness of the initiative and the creation and maintenance of a National Class Size Database.
“The ultimate success of our education system depends on teachers,” added Sen. Biden. “Ask any teacher if it matters whether they are teaching a class of 18 students or 25 students and you’ll get the same answer every time: absolutely. Smaller classes will provide teachers with the resources they need to create the opportunities for learning that our students deserve
I hope it passes!