Class-Size Reductions

Re “Class-Size Reduction Poses Quandary,” May 28:

In reference to the difficulties faced by the Los Angeles Unified School District Board of Education regarding the implementation of the class-size reduction program, there is one obstacle that could be avoided if the state were to permit those schools with no additional classroom space to continue an option that was allowed this school year. That option allowed for a school to reduce class size to 20 students per teacher with three teachers sharing two classrooms in a “team teaching” approach. At our school, we were able to use the strict 20:1 ratio in only one classroom, using the option of three teachers sharing two classrooms in the other eight.

We have been advised by the State Department of Education that our school can no longer exercise this option. As a result, we must: convert the cafeteria, faculty lounge and auditorium into classrooms; remove the day care program; remove the computer lab; end the art program; and end the science program.

Three teachers sharing two classrooms allows for inexperienced, emergency-credentialed teachers to be mentored by two experienced teachers. When one teacher is conducting a directed lesson, the other is working with another skill group, allowing for more individualized instruction. Team teaching allows for a stable instructional program when a teacher is ill or attending a training session.

Without this option, the state will force more schools into multitrack year-round schedules, end many day care and enrichment programs and send more students to the bus.

JEFF FELZ, Principal

Warner Avenue Elementary

School, Los Angeles