Steps Taken to Reduce 1st-Grade Classes to 20

Fullerton School District officials are taking steps to reduce first-grade class sizes to 20 pupils in an effort to capitalize on a state program offering financial rewards for smaller classes.

School board members said they will hire 31 first-grade teachers by September in order to achieve the class reduction goal, which is based on the theory that smaller classes will translate into higher reading scores statewide.

The state will give $650 per student to districts that reduce their classes to 20 pupils by Feb. 16.

Irvine Unified became the first district in Southern California to seek the financial reward when it opened three year-round schools last week with class sizes capped at 20 pupils per teacher.

Assistant Supt. Karin Lynch called the class reduction “a wonderful opportunity for kids. It’s something we’ve been wanting for a long, long time.”

She said principals are figuring out how they will accommodate the new classes.

Many have said they will put two teachers in one room, at least temporarily.

Even with the state money, reducing class sizes will cost the district about $500,000 a year.

Lynch said that the money will come from the district’s general fund.