Number of students per class

[Anonymous]

The number of teachers in our ES is being cut, which is going to drastically increase the student/teacher ratio. For example, the 5th grade will have at least 30 students per class, which is higher than what the guidance says is allowed. Has anyone ever had this happen? Do they do anything to make those ratios work? I'm not sure you can even stuff that many desks in the room so I don't know how this is going to work.

[Anonymous]

There are no maximums only guidelines in MCPS (not sure where your school is). My DD had 29 in first grade. It was actually a great year..wonderful teacher who managed very well. I know that is not always the case but it could be fine.

[Anonymous]

Goes up to 33 in MS and 35 in Hs classes. Not all but that’s the math central office uses.

[Anonymous]

Where did you get this information from, and did you also hear a reason why your ES is losing teacher positions?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Where did you get this information from, and did you also hear a reason why your ES is losing teacher positions?

From our PTA. No reason was given.

[Anonymous]

The classroom teacher allocation only decreases when the student population decreases. Also, the principal decides how many teachers for each grade level, so maybe it is that way on paper in order to try to hire another teacher before the school year starts. -teacher

[Anonymous]

Schools can hire through October. Admin is probably hoping to get a bump in student population so they can hire another teacher.

[Anonymous]

Upper grades, until every 5th grade has 30, and another student comes in, that's when they get another teacher. Lower grades the number is lower. Title 1 schools the numbers areway lower, and even focus schools the number is lower.

And the numbers are guidelines, not policy. Principal has limited flexibility - the good ones know how to manage/do damage control and keep teachers even if the numbers go a little under, the new ones are completely clueless.