The Stunning Hypocrisy of Betsy DeVos: Class Size Edition
In light of Betsy DeVos’ comments on the benefits of large class sizes and hiring fewer teachers – “In fact, students may be better served by being in larger classes, if by hiring fewer teachers, a district or state can better compensate those who have demonstrated high ability and outstanding results…” – I wanted to share the following statistics from the school Betsy attended as a young woman, Holland Christian School…
Average class size:
High school, 19.5
Middle school, 23.2
Elementary school, 17.3
Middle school, 23.2
Elementary school, 17.3
Teacher to Student Ratio, 1 : 12.5
From Holland to Detroit
By way of comparison, the teachers’ contract in the Detroit Public Schools Community District (the school system that Ms. DeVos suggested should simply be dissolved) stipulates the following class sizes:
• In grades K-3, the class size is supposed to range from 17-25 students.
• In grades 4-5, the maximum is 30.
• And in grades 6-12, the max is 35 students.
Across the district, 14 out of the district’s 115 schools have oversize classes — many of them with multiple classes that are too large. According to fall class data provided by the CONTINUE READING: The Stunning Hypocrisy of Betsy DeVos: Class Size Edition | Eclectablog
