| Releases & Statements
(Borough Hall, Brooklyn, October 1, 2002) Public Advocate Betsy Gotbaum released a report that highlighted the slow progress made in decreasing classroom size for students in kindergarten through 6th grade.
"While we've achieved some gains in reducing classroom size, we won't be able to realize significant decreases without building more classrooms," said Gotbaum. The report follows up on a report released in late September by the Independent Budget Office (IBO), which showed a reduction in kindergarten through 3rd grade classroom sizes over a three-year period ending in 2001.
The IBO report found that average classroom size for K-3 decreased by 2.9 students to 21.8 students per class. In comparison, classroom sizes for 4th through 6th graders decreased by only 0.8 students. The Public Advocate found the 4-6 grade classroom size decrease, which has resulted in average class size of 24.6, was largely due to decreased enrollment, unlike decreases in K- 3rd grades, where decreases resulted from an increase in teachers and class space.
"Early school years have been proven to be important to the future earning and success of children, but that doesn't mean that we should accept huge spikes when children enter into 4th grade," continued Gotbaum.
The Public Advocate's investigation found that classroom crowding shot up between 3rd and 4th grade, with only 3.3% of 3rd graders in classrooms of over 30 students, compared to 24% of 4th graders.
The decrease in classroom size for K - 3 is largely due to federal funding, whose goal it is to reduce classroom size to 20 students and under. The program aims to achieve these levels through funding for teachers and space. But, the space does not include building new classrooms.
"We need to pay equal attention to 4th, 5th and 6th graders. Children will lose the advantages gained from smallest k-3 class sizes if they face rooms of 30 or more pupils in the 4-6 grades. Learning is tied to classroom size and we must make it a priority to decrease class sizes" said Gotbaum.
This report continues the Public Advocate's investigation into classroom size. A previous report on the School Construction Authority is available upon request, or on the Public Advocate's website at www.pubadvocate.nyc.gov
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