Class sizes reduction explained

JENNIFER LEETE explains how DET will implement the Government's class size reduction commitment in practical terms.

For many years now teachers have been used to the concept of "no class need exceed" as the basis of the primary staffing formula. However, this was not part of the Government's commitment which actually stated:

"By 2007 the Carr Government will reduce class sizes:
"*in kindergarten to an average of 20
"*in year 1 to an average of 22; and
"*in year 2 to an average of 24."

DET has now told its Class Sizes Advisory Committee, on which Federation is represented, that to achieve the statewide average of 20 in kindergarten for Priority Schools Funding Program schools for 2004 they will use a multiplier of .0513. If you use this figure to calculate how many kindergarten children you need to have to get a full teacher, the answer is 19.5. That is, to achieve an average of 20 the DET in effect is using a formula which is equivalent to no class need exceed 19.5. The DET also did some calculations on the multipliers that would be needed in order to deliver the statewide averages of 22 for year 1 and 24 for year 2. They say that, using the 2002 class sizes audit as the starting point, in order to achieve a statewide average of 22 in year 1, classes would be staffed equivalent to a need not exceed 23 formula.

To achieve an average class size of 24 for year 2 the classes would be staffed equivalent to a need not exceed 25 formula. The multipliers which were used as the basis of these numbers have not been sent to schools because the class size reduction for year 1 will not occur until 2005 for PSFP schools and until 2006 for other schools. Likewise the class size reduction for year 2 will not occur until 2006 for PSFP schools and until 2007 for regular schools. Furthermore, DET says these numbers are likely to change depending on the pattern of actual class sizes in the preceding year.

For small schools under an enrolment of 20, however, there is no betterment at all in the new formula. Federation has raised concerns about this and has asked that it be reconsidered. DET and the Government's response at this stage is that there is not enough funding to address this need.

Jennifer Leete is the Deputy President.