Kindergarten class size reduction implemented

JENNIFER LEETE reports on the implementation of the Carr Government's class sizes policy.

In the lead up to the 2003 NSW state election, the Federation, along with parents and principals organisations, campaigned for a reduction in class sizes K-3 to a maximum of 20. Our members embraced this campaign and worked actively to achieve the betterment. Such was the success of the campaign that both major political parties ran on a policy of class size reduction.

As sometimes occurs with such campaigns, the commitment given by both parties on class sizes, whilst representing significant improvements, fell short of Federation policy because they did not embrace the concept of a maximum class size.

The Carr Government was re-elected and has set about reducing average class sizes, according to its policy:

In 2004 all kindergarten classes in disadvantaged schools (Priority Schools Funding Program) would be reduced to an average of 20.

In 2005 all other kindergarten classes would be reduced to an average of 20 and all year 1 classes in PSFP schools reduced to an average of 22.

In 2006 all remaining year 1 classes would be reduced to an average of 22 and all year 2 classes in PSFP schools would be reduced to an average of 24.

In 2007, remaining year 2 classes would be reduced to an average of 24.

From the commencement of the 2005 school year the Federation has received positive reports that the class sizes reduction in public school kindergarten classes has led to a significant increase in enrolments.

Federation is concerned, however, that, as the Federation predicted in its critique of ALP class sizes policy, the average class size approach has led to some schools being forced to form oversized classes, or educationally unsound composites in other parts of the school.

Regrettably, media reports of such cases have undermined and even trivialised the significant betterments achieved for kindergarten students, which will of course flow through to year 1 and year 2 as the phase-in continues.

Teachers, parents and principals fully understand the significant research base which has shown long term benefits for students who are in smaller classes in their early years at school. These include faster orientation to school routine, better academic achievement, improved behaviour and social skills, and a reduction in the number of students who need intervention as they progress through school.

Any school which has problems arising from the staffing formula which is now being applied by the Department of Education and Training should seek additional or supplementary staffing from the Department. Federation Organisers are available to assist. If any significant anomalies are found, Federation will take these to the DET and the Minister if necessary.

In the meantime, congratulations again to all teachers, parents and principals who campaigned for the class size reduction. The benefits will stay with our 2005 kindergarten students well into their futures.

Jennifer Leete is the Deputy President.

Kinder class sizes improve but averaging creates other problems

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March 2005 contents