To lay the foundation for our students to thrive, we need to invest in their learning conditions to ensure they are safe, inclusive, and supportive.
The latest research shows that smaller class sizes contribute to improved student behaviour, engagement, and achievement in the early grades. We know this because Ontario already caps the number of students in classes between grades 1 and 3. But why should it stop there?
We recently won class caps in Kindergarten but they are still 30 for next year and 29 starting in September 2018. That’s still too many 3-5 year olds in a classroom. Funding for grades 4 to 8 supports a class size average of 24.5 students. These grades have the largest class sizes in the system, often more than 30 students to a class.
Smaller class sizes will mean educators can provide more one-on-one time and address each student’s individual needs. With smaller classes, we have the space for a learning environment and early childhood relationships that kids look forward to every day!
