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Class size remains a top concern for SPS families, especially with the projected enrollment increase of 225 students in pre-kindergarten to grade eight over the next five years. Currently, 14 classes exceed the Sudbury School Class Size Guidelines (here), which were established nearly a decade ago in 2016 based on the best available research at the time.
Recently, two opinion editorials have presented distinct approaches to addressing class sizes being over guidance. One approach emphasizes conducting a capacity study and adherence to current class guidelines.(here). The other approach -the approach I believe is needed right now- is to prioritize educational excellence, centering on student need and outcomes (here).
SPS has already conducted an Elementary Schools Space Utilization Study in 2018 to understand the space use and our ability to accommodate future growth. The study looked at current enrollment, projected increase by the proposed housing development, projected enrollment, SPS’s current class size guidelines, and MSBA recommended standards. The study concluded that while most schools can handle the projected enrollment growth, adjustments to space usage and potential expansions would be needed, particularly for Noyes. The estimated costs of such expansion were also included in the report.
We as a town will soon need to decide where do we go from here and how we will best accommodate our students so they are learning in an environment that meets their educational needs. While capacity constraints are undoubtedly a factor in class planning, we must first understand the most desirable class size for achieving the best educational outcomes for all of our students, from those needing support to accelerated learners and everyone in between.
This is why I strongly encourage the formation of a working group to reassess class size policies based on the specific needs of each grade and classroom, rather than strictly adhering to numerical class size targets. If another Elementary Schools Space Utilization Study is indeed necessary, it is best to have updated policies on class guidelines so the Study isn’t based upon class guidelines that were developed nearly a decade ago. As education continues to evolve, so too should our approach to class size and its composition. We need to do this work first before decisions can be made on how best to support students today and future enrollment growth.
***This article is part of a series to allow voters insight to what I will advocate for as a SPS School Committee member. I have also written articles on after-school care, curriculum, class-size, the importance of hybrid meetings, and belonging. For more information about my campaign, please visit www.Sues4SPS.com.***