Reply to Class Size at DCPS Brent Elementary in Capitol Hill

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]Hi DC Urban Mom Community,

I’m concerned about the increasing class size at Brent Elementary, a DCPS school in Capitol Hill. In years past, class sizes have been 20-21 for the elementary grades, but this year they are MUCH larger. Many classes have 24-26 students, with some as large as 28. I’m concerned because many of these new students have been admitted through the lottery (students who don’t live in-bounds) - making these class size increases purposeful decisions of the current Principal/administration.

I also recently learned that the Washington Teachers Union limits class size to 20 students - which means teachers at Brent are feeling pressured they might not face at other schools - which could lead to teachers leaving.

Any ideas on how to address this problem of larger class sizes/and possible increased future teacher turnover?

Thanks![/quote]

First, start the conversation with correct facts. In DCPS, target class sizes are:

Pre-Kindergarten Without an Aide 15
Pre-Kindergarten With an Aide 20
Kindergarten Through Grade 2 20
Grades 3 Through 12 [b]25[/b]
Remedial Classes 12

This is not a limit; in reality, it is a baseline for starting discussions about adding or consolidating classes. There are many exceptions that allow you to exceed that size.

If your in boundary enrollment pushes the class size higher, it will be bigger until you are big enough that you can add a class and get each of the new ones at least to 20 by adding OOB enrollment. Typically, once you hit 28 in 2nd and lower, you can argue to add a class. You say many are 24; well, if you have two classes of 24 and split them into three, you only have 16 in each so you don't have enough to budget the third class, so DCPS will add more OOB kids to make up the difference and afford a teacher/aide in the new room. And not having a physical classroom simply requires creativity - and trailer classrooms. DCPS has lots of them ready and waiting.[/quote]

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