The Governing Board recognizes that smaller classes may contribute to student learning by allowing teachers to better identify and respond to individual student needs. In accordance with negotiated employee agreements and state law, the Board shall establish class size limits appropriate for each grade level or subject taught and conducive to the effective use of teaching staff.
(cf. 4141/4241 - Collective Bargaining Agreement)
The highest priority for maintaining small class sizes shall be in the primary grades in order to support young students as they acquire the basic skills that serve as the foundation for subsequent learning. Other priorities shall be established in accordance with the goals and strategies identified in the district's local control and accountability plan (LCAP).
(cf. 0200 - Goals for the School District)
(cf. 0460 - Local Control and Accountability Plan)
For grades K-3, the district shall annually make progress toward maintaining an average class of not more than 24 students, unless an alternative annual average class size for each school site is collectively bargained. (Education Code 42238.02; 5 CCR 15498-15498.3)
Transitional kindergarten classes established pursuant to Education Code 48000 shall be included in the calculation of average class enrollment for kindergarten.
(cf. 6170.1 - Transitional Kindergarten)
At the secondary level, district priorities for class size reduction shall focus on English language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, and other courses that are necessary for completion of graduation requirements and shall be aligned with student needs as identified in the district's LCAP.
(cf. 6143 - Courses of Study)
(cf. 6146.1 - Graduation Requirements)
The Superintendent or designee shall provide the Board with an analysis of staffing and school facilities needs and other costs related to class size reduction proposals.
(cf. 3100 - Budget)
(cf. 6117 - Year-Round Schedules)
(cf. 7111 - Evaluating Existing Buildings)
The Superintendent or designee shall annually report to the Board regarding the impact of the class size reduction program on student achievement and other outcomes such as changes in school climate and student engagement.
(cf. 0500 - Accountability)
(cf. 6162.5 - Student Assessment)
Legal Reference:
EDUCATION CODE
17042 Rules for determining area of adequate school construction; exceptions
17042.7 Formula for calculation
33050 Nonwaivable provisions
35160 Authority of the board
42238.02 Local control funding formula, including adjustment for class size reduction
42280 Necessary small schools
46205 Computation for early-late programs
51225.3 Graduation requirements
52060-52077 Local control and accountability plan
GOVERNMENT CODE
3543.2 Scope of representation
Management Resources:
WEB SITES
CSBA: http://www.csba.org
California Department of Education: http://www.cde.ca.gov
Policy WOODLAKE UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
adopted: July 9, 2014 Woodlake, California