On another post Anonymous wrote:
"I just read an article in the Saturday PG about class sizes and "leveling" and I am glad to know the issue is getting needed attention. I do have a question though prompted by the article.
In all the analysis of the PSSA results, does anyone look at the performance of a class of 16-18 and compare it to a class of 22-28? I recall the schools who were featured in presentations for the great performance on the test and wonder now what their class sizes were. Greenfield was one such school I believe in the 2010-11 school year. Don't report anything using average class size that is just so much bs and so a way of placating the public. Someone should build into RISE a variance factor for class size...or does that make too much sense?"
- Can someone post the link?
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8 comments:
Very good question and the only thing I can say in response is that study after study--for at least the past two decades--has pointed to research that states students learn better in smaller classes. Ten years ago, Pittsburgh embraced this approach, and while the data still points to the same conclusion, PPS has gone a different direction.
The reason is simple--and the article again dances around the subject--the superintendent believes that it is more financially prudent to keep over 700 administrators who have absolutely no contact with students than to keep teachers.
Period.
This is her rationale.
Some 300 teachers were furloughed this past summer.
RISE is a sham meant to cut veteran teacher salaries.
Absolutely NO administrators have been subject to furloughs, and central office administrators have no worries about accountability, so much so that they can feel free to party and make lewd videos on the public's dollars.
And hey, all it will mean is that we cut more teachers and put more kids in the remaining teachers' classrooms.
Sound thinking.
And no one calls them out on any of it.
Has anyone heard the rumor that David May-Stein had his wife, Sheila May or May-Stein , hired as a librarian when so many have been furloughed or forced to retire.
http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/local/neighborhoods-city/city-schools-try-to-find-balance-for-class-sizes-653381/
A relative who has always worked in Catholic schools says the secret to the success of her schools has always been small class sizes.
I think it is interesting that they are talking about class sizes going form 22 to 28...when South Brook Middle went from 25 to 45+ in 2010-2011 school year. The classrooms were so packed that there was not enough room for every student to have a desk. I guess they were "leveling" then, as well? And in one year that school went from one of the best in the district to one of the worst. Coincidence? But all the folks on Bellefield care about is cutting costs so that there will be enough money available for their raises and bonuses...oh, and yes, for grilling in the Bellefield courtyard after their hard work day.
Its time for Dr. Lane to go. She cant get it done. Leadership starts at the top. If they dont get rid of her, we must get rid of this board.
Should get rid of the board anyway. Most of them have been there too long.
Those are huge class sizes. 28 kids in 2nd grade?
What a joke - kids are sitting on the floor!
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