Contact: Brian Washington   (202) 822-7823

June 18, 2007

Class Size Bill Holds Key to Improving Student Learning

Teachers Believe Rep. David Wu's Bill Would Help Children Succeed

WASHINGTON -- Imagine more children receiving the one-on-one attention needed to help students learn and perform better in school. It could happen under a bill introduced by Rep. David Wu (D-Ore.) designed to reduce class sizes in public schools. NEA President Reg Weaver and teachers from across the nation have cited smaller class sizes as a key component of closing the achievement gaps.

"We commend Rep. Wu for introducing this bill," said Weaver. "There's no doubt that smaller classes are definitely in the best interest of our children and will help them acquire the 21st century skills necessary to become future leaders and productive citizens." 
 
Congressman Wu's bill would cut class sizes primarily in grades one through three in an effort to help all students read independently before they begin fourth grade. A report by the American Educational Research Association found that smaller classes not only led to a reduction in the achievement gaps for minority and inner-city students, but also to fewer students dropping out or being held back, fewer disciplinary actions, and more students taking college exams.

The Student Teacher Achievement Ratio (STAR) Project -- which studied the effects of class size over an extended period of time in Tennessee -- also found that students in smaller class sizes were more likely to:

• Complete more advanced math and English courses;
• Complete high school; and
• Graduate on time and with honors.

"This has been proven without a doubt in several studies," said Weaver. "When you reduce class size and allow highly qualified teachers to give students the individual attention each one deserves, safety improves, discipline improves and, most importantly, learning improves."

Wu's bill seeks to amend the No Child Left Behind Act, which is slated for reauthorization this year. In addition to reducing class size, NEA has outlined several other priorities for the law, including increasing the number of highly qualified teachers and using more than just a single test to measure student performance and achievement.

"This is important legislation that makes sense," said Weaver. "We look forward to working with Rep. Wu and other members of Congress in making sure this becomes reality. Smaller class sizes play a vital role in our vision of great public schools for every child."

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The National Education Association is the nation's largest professional employee organization, representing 3.2 million elementary and secondary teachers, higher education faculty, education support professionals, school administrators, retired educators
and students preparing to become teachers.