Moves afoot on class size reduction

By Jennifer Leete

DET has formed a class sizes reduction unit and formed an advisory group to oversee implementation of ALP policy on class size reduction.

Deputy President Jennifer Leete and Vice President Chris Goudkamp, who teaches at Murwillumbah Public School, will represent Federation on this advisory group.

Among other issues the Federation will be arguing for is the restoration of a staffing formula which provides teachers for K-2 enrolments separate from 3-6 staffing.

Parent and principal groups are also represented on the advisory group. Apart from the so-called "pilot" the first stage of the class size reduction will be for kindergarten classes in Priority Schools Funding Program schools from the commencement of the 2004 school year.

In the meantime, news from the class sizes pilot is that reduced class sizes are making a real difference for students and teachers.

Jennifer Leete is the Deputy President.

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June 2003 contents