Inequities in Class-Size Aid

For parents, administrators and teachers, the class-size reduction movement has resonated with excitement. At the same time, it is apparent from looking at Orange County school districts that there are inequities in the early distribution of benefits. And the problems associated with finding adequate facilities are making themselves felt.

In South County, upper elementary grade teachers who have as many as 35 students are trying to deliver quality education with more demands on time and resources than colleagues in lower grades who have only 20 students. While there is a movement to extend the reductions to the higher grades, the search now is for immediate solutions. These include efforts by principals and administrators to give the fourth-, fifth- and sixth-grade teachers immediate help.

More instructional aides, additional preparation periods and the enlistment of substitutes to assist when administrative duties become too great are good short-term measures to cut the workload and boost morale. These efforts should be encouraged. They arise from their educational value, although labor peace is a secondary consideration. Such proposals as the stipend of $500 per student that the Saddleback Valley Educators Assn. sought for teachers whose class enrollments surpassed 33 may sound appealing, but they still would not deliver better education and create an improved classroom environment.

In the meantime, the county educators can take heart in efforts to extend class-size benefits. A Times Orange County Poll in 1997 found that most people rated their public schools highly, indeed a good deal higher than Americans did nationwide.

Along with these observations came a very strong assessment of the class-size reduction movement, which at the time was gathering momentum. Even though there were no data to support the conclusion, re-spondents already were convinced that this was the right way to go. There was a feeling that the movement had restored faith and reinvigorated educators.

The inauguration of a new governor has redoubled efforts to build on the start. Smaller classes are an important component. At the same time, many of these changes come with political connotations. Many educators in Orange County, acutely aware of limitations already imposed on them by budgets and space, are concerned about the imposition of politically influenced mandates.

Finding the right balance down on the ground where education is delivered is a critical challenge in the county for the new year. Educators deserve help and support.