small class size
...e children are to learn; this would develop a need for more classroom materials. When trying to find the money to finance the needs of smaller class sizes, the schools would be forced to limit the money it gives to other areas such as teacher training, or extracurricular activities and programs. In 2000, the amount of money that the federal government gave for education and related programs was 90,658.9 million dollars (U.S. National Center for Education Statistics). With the school budget already so tight, it would be near impossible to force the American school systems to place more money into reducing class size. Michigan State Superintendent, Tom Watkins reflected on his situation by stating, “There are only so many paper clips you can reduce,” (“Schools struggle”). The pinch to find ways to reduce the cost of running a school is felt all over America. By asking schools to create smaller classes, you are placing an idea that is already in effect into the trashcan. There are several potentially less expensive ways to lower class size while still increasing student productivity. For example, the government could issue vouchers. Instead of giving schools money for each student that attends it, the government could give the students money, which they can use towards the cost of attending the school of their choice. Vouchers cost no more money than the government is already spending on education. However, by issuing vouchers, the government allows those less fortunate to still attend prestigious private schools. In a report done by Rouse: Rouse compares the achievements of Milwaukee voucher students and students in three types of Milwaukee public schools: regular schools, magnet schools, and schools participating in the Preschool to Grade 5 Grant Program (“P-5” schools). […] Students in the P-5 (small class size) public schools made […] the same math gains as voucher schools. (“Vouchers Vs. Small Class Size”) If the money being proposed to help reduce class size is spent on budget gaps, than maybe students can receive the education they wish for, without having to worry if their family or government can afford it. Budget gaps prevent children from fully experiencing student life because many of the programs, which were there when their older siblings attended the school, have been cut or limited. “The Philadelphia school district faces a budget gap this year of nearly $200 million” (Philadelphia Board of Education). If the schools had less strenuous budgets, then maybe the students would receive exactly what they hope for instead of just the bare essentials. The schools could also defer the money, which is currently spend on plans to lower class room size to programs for those with different learning abilities. Perhaps even create phases in every school. Phases allow students to learn at their own speed, and the also take peer pressure away from everyone, weather if someone is gifted or needs a little extra help in an area. The money that now spent on classroom reduction projects could also be spent to enhance the school environment. Schools could be repainted to look more appealing. By leaving the walls white and bear, students occasionally feel as if they are in a prison cell rather than a place of education. Rather than spending the money to create smaller classes, schools could use the money to find qualified teachers, or create better programs. By spending the money in this way, the students’ grades would still benefit. Even though they may not receive the one on one attention wanted, their grades will greatly improve as long as the teachers know the material, and how to keep control of the rooms in which they are teaching. NEA President Bob Chase claimed, “Nothing has a more profound effect on a child’s achievement than the quality of his or her teacher […]” (U.S. Teachers’). That saying is proven again and again. A teacher impacts the life of every student whom pa...