Oregon teachers report big classes are a big problem, more so than in 47 other states
Sixty percent of Oregon teachers say excessively large class sizes are one of the main challenges they face in doing their jobs, a new survey found. Only two states, Arizona and Nevada, had a higher share of their teachers report that big class sizes are one of the most significant challenges they face.
Nationally, 43 percent of teachers reported that excessive class sizes are a significant barrier to doing a good job.
Those findings come from an online survey of more than 20,000 teachers in all 50 states done at the behest of Scholastic and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, which sought to bring attention to teachers' views on current issues in education.
Survey-takers were asked why they went into teaching, what factors help or impede their work, how prepared they are to teach to the new Common Core State Standards and more.
When asked to name the most significant challenges they face on the job, teachers in Oregon and nationally had the same No. 1 response: constantly changing demands.
In Oregon, where new teacher evaluations are required this year, most districts just switched to a new student information system, the new multistate standards for reading, writing and math are rolling out and many districts bought new instructional materials in reading, that frustration over frequent changes is not surprising.
The same could be said for teachers' angst over big classes. As The Oregonian has been reporting for years, Oregon teachers face some of the largest teaching
Free college tuition study bill wins final passage in Oregon Legislature
The bill directs the Higher Education Coordinating Commission to study the cost of no-cost college.
Class sizes and teacher workloads: Take 3 For Politics (video)
Education reporter Betsy Hammond talks with senior politics reporter Jeff Mapes about her surprising findings. Share what you think and want to know.
Oregon teachers report big classes are a big problem, moreso than in 47 other states
Oregon and the four other states where teachers shoulder the heaviest student loads are the same five states where teachers are most likely to report that class size is a problem
Most Oregon teachers find their performance evaluations aren't very helpful, survey finds
According to a survey, many Oregon teachers want to be evaluated more often and want more specific, actionable feedback.