NEA President Bob Chase's Statement In Response To Class Size Reduction and Teacher Quality Act of 1998

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 14, 1998

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- "This proposal responds to what parents and teachers know: smaller classes truly make a difference. Smaller classes mean more individualized attention, and improved student learning. Smaller classes also mean fewer discipline problems, and, therefore, safer schools.

"Research on class size -- particularly when class sizes are lowered in the early grades, as this legislation proposes to do -- tells us that smaller classes not only improve student achievement immediately, but that the effects last for years afterward. Quite simply, smaller classes are the best investment this country can make in improving our public schools.

"This legislation also addresses teacher quality, by requiring that all new teachers hired to implement its provisions be certified. Smaller classes alone won't make a difference if they aren't taught by professional educators who know how to capitalize on their inherent benefits.

"This legislation also complements the Public School Modernization Act, which will help create the modern classrooms that will house these smaller classes. "Parents, teachers and students share a common educational vision: they want modern schools, small classes, and access to modern technology. These criteria, combined with high standards for teachers and students, will spell success for public education."