Reducing Class Sizes in California

Cutting class size would be very simple to achieve. Let’s take the average class of 36 or so first graders. Half the class comes to school at 7:30 a.m. For the first three hours, they do the core work: reading, writing, arithmetic, social studies, science. At 10:30 or 11 a.m. they are joined by the other half of the class for recess, singing, art, lunch, physical education, etc. The first half leaves at the appropriate time (12:30 or 1:30 p.m.) while the second half stays to 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. for their core studies.

More teachers would probably be needed to handle this extended-day program, but no increased facilities.

Let’s revive or expand the teacher aide program, putting parents and grandparents in the classroom for translation, one-to-one tutoring, recess and lunch supervision and general gofering.

We don’t have to wait for a $5-billion construction program. Real improvements will come with smaller class size and more teachers, plus more pay for teachers. We all know that!

MARTHA FARWELL

Thousand Oaks