Superintendent Langevin and BOE members address class size concerns

Several parents have expressed concerns about the possibility that some elementary school class sizes may increase next year. Below, Superintendent Linda Langevin and Board of Education Members address these concerns.

To the Voorheesville community,

We would like to thank everyone who took the time to share their concerns regarding the proposed fifth-grade class size for 2008-09. The Board and I have carefully reviewed each of your e-mails and letters, and as we contemplate the necessary number of fifth-grade classes for next year, we would like to bring to your attention some information that we believe helps illustrate our present position. We hope you will keep an open mind while reading this message and understand that we continually strive to ensure that every child receives an excellent education at Voorheesville Elementary School.

If we want our children to climb to success, let’s make sure our ladder is leaning against the right wall. We understand that some parents have concerns about how the proposed scenario might affect their children’s academic and social needs. However, as you work with us to make the best educational decisions for the next school year, we urge you to consider the extensive support system (outlined below) in place at the elementary school.

Class size, by itself, does not determine how successful a student can be in school. In fact, if you consider the supports that each child receives at each grade level, you will see that the student/teacher ratio is low enough to support all children in their progress through next year.

• Two of the four fifth-grade teachers have dual certifications in regular and special education, and this extra training helps support all students in these classrooms.

• Two additional special education teachers divide their day between the fourth- and fifth-grade classes.

• Reading specialists, who work specifically to support literacy skills, provide additional help for all third-, fourth- and fifth-grade students.

• A math remedial specialist provides daily extra help to all third-, fourth- and fifth-grade students in need.

According to the plan for next year, here is a breakdown of the teacher (and teaching assistants)/student ratio for the third, fourth and fifth grades:

• Grade 5 – 1:14

• Grade 4 – 1:15

• Grade 3 – 1:17

We believe these ratios are appropriate for our students and will not jeopardize academic performance. Further, in addition to these low classroom ratios, students who need extra support receive services from providers such as academic intervention specialists in reading and mathematics, occupational therapy, speech therapy, physical therapy and counseling.

Although studies show that smaller class sizes can influence learning, these studies also show that high-quality teachers are a strong, positive influence on student achievement. Our Elementary School teachers are the finest in the area and are extremely caring and skilled. To maintain this high caliber, they continuously strive to improve and adapt best practices, engage in professional development, and make efforts both on their own, and in grade-level teams to understand the needs of each child in their care. They will succeed and your children will thrive.

The final and most important factor in your child’s success is you, the parent. We are blessed with terrific support from all of our parents and school volunteers who create a unique, nurturing situation for the children at the Elementary School. We ask you to join with us next year to support your child’s academic and social success at the Voorheesville Elementary School.

Sincerely,
Superintendent Linda Langevin
Members of the Board of Education