VENTURA : 9th-Grade English Classes to Be Smaller
The size of ninth-grade English classes will be smaller next semester at Ventura high schools after a decision Tuesday by the Ventura Unified School District board to apply for funding from a special state program.
There will be no more than 20 students for every teacher in English courses at the district’s two high schools, Ventura and Buena.
Money from the program targeting grades nine through 12 would be used to hire additional teachers to enable the district to reduce the size of each class, said JoAnn VanderMolen, director of curriculum and instruction for the district.
Board President Barbara Myers questioned whether there is enough classroom space and books to implement the program. According to VanderMolen, principals said those issues would not present obstacles.
The money will be provided from a statewide fund of $31 million for the Program to Reduce Class Size.
Under the program, school districts must choose a certain grade level and subject matter to target for size reduction. The deadline for applying for the state funding is Nov. 1, district officials said. District officials also warned that funding may be unavailable after next year.
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