Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here - FWIW, I'm in MCPS. In a top cluster.

Did you expect class sizes to be smaller in a top cluster?

OP, this is the pros/cons of buying in a "top cluster". Larger class sizes, but most of the kids have outside enrichment so they usually score high on tests. Lower SES cluster -- smaller K-3 class size, but then when they get older, kid might not make it into a magnet, and then they aren't around the "highly desirable" classmates.

I don't live in a W cluster, btw.

Class size doesn't matter as much as teacher quality. I'd much rather have a my snowflake in a big class with a great teacher than a small class with a crap one.

What's a focus school? Why are their class sizes so small and how can I turn our regular mcps into a focus?

Anonymous wrote:What does ymmv stand for?

Your Mileage May Vary

Anonymous wrote:But its not just 1 adult all day is it? There are aides and specialists and volunteers.

Also a good teacher can manage 35 kids. Its about the effectiveness of the teacher, not the number of students, in reality.

Do you really, truly believe that is true?

I've had 2 kids go through K, and both had WONDERFUL K teachers. However, with 26 or 28 students, there is just way too much going on. Last year, our (really good) K teacher had 6 different reading groups to meet with. It was crazy.

It is truly impossible to meet the needs of 28 five-year olds, all coming in at different levels of ability.

And, no there are no aides, just volunteers at our school. The volunteers are only there some days, and only stay for a short amount of time. We do have a reading specialist for K students, but the students get taken out for that - she does not come into the classroom. Also, we have kids who get taken out for ESOL. But, no specific classroom aide in K.

Wow, this is nuts. Glad I did not move out of DCPS for this.

Anonymous wrote:Actually, because of the budget issues, I believe it was just cut to 28 or less in MCPS. AND, that is 28 or less at the time they configure the classes/hire the teachers...children who enroll after the school year begins may go above that "maximum" because they can't bring in and re-apportion classes after the start of the school year. Many of the schools, especially the over-crowded ones, have a big issue with parents not pre-registering for K, so the classes can be large. Plus, this area is transient, and people are always moving into the cluster after the year begins. And it really is 1 teacher to these large classes in the "top" cluster schools. Title I and Focus schools have MUCH better ratios plus they have aides supporting the class.

Not cut...increased. It used to be 25...it has been steadily raised over the past years. We are now up to 28. While this used to be the maximum, in over-crowded schools, it is the expected number. Often more.

Anonymous wrote:OP, if that worries you, ask about the ratio of students to adults during outside recess, it is much, much worse.

This.

Our ES has 3 aides for all the K classes. I've volunteered at recess and it is pure chaos.

FWIW, I agree with you OP that 26 kids and one teacher is just not enough for K. Sure the kids are potty trained, but last year (as a volunteer), I saw 3 kids have accidents. And, I only volunteer one day a week. It happens. The kids are only 5 years old. They need help tying laces. They need help with potty issues, getting dressed, etc.

And, our school did not have 'aides' for the classroom. Some kids were taken out for ESOL or help with reading or whatever. But, no specific aide for the classroom.

The first thing the K teacher did most days I got there was run to the restroom! She worked incredibly hard.

Actually, because of the budget issues, I believe it was just cut to 28 or less in MCPS. AND, that is 28 or less at the time they configure the classes/hire the teachers...children who enroll after the school year begins may go above that "maximum" because they can't bring in and re-apportion classes after the start of the school year. Many of the schools, especially the over-crowded ones, have a big issue with parents not pre-registering for K, so the classes can be large. Plus, this area is transient, and people are always moving into the cluster after the year begins. And it really is 1 teacher to these large classes in the "top" cluster schools. Title I and Focus schools have MUCH better ratios plus they have aides supporting the class.

OP, if that worries you, ask about the ratio of students to adults during outside recess, it is much, much worse.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why are there legal ratios for childcare and preschool and not K classes?

Probably because 5+ yr olds shouldn't as much supervision. They should all be potty trained, etc.. by then.

oops... "shouldn't need as much supervision".

Anonymous wrote:Why are there legal ratios for childcare and preschool and not K classes?

Probably because 5+ yr olds shouldn't as much supervision. They should all be potty trained, etc.. by then.

Why are there legal ratios for childcare and preschool and not K classes?

What does ymmv stand for?

My rising 3rd grader had 27 in her K and 1st grade classes and 28 in 2nd. That was before they raised the numbers for 2016. W cluster. FWIW, 2nd grade teacher was outstanding, and it was the best year yet. YMMV.

The school we toured said they will go to 28 per class and then if they will hit a 29th then they will add another class. So, I guess 28 for K.