Class Size and Student Achievement


There's no getting away from it, a good teacher in a large class is better than an average teacher in a small class.  However, even a good teacher will have less time to support children's learning if class sizes increase. Good teachers in smaller classes equal better learning outcomes for all our children.

The misconception behind all the talk about teacher pupil ratios is that it is a resource funding ratio not a class size ratio at all. Our roll generates approximately 25 government funded staff positions based on current ratios. Of the 25 positions this includes the principals position, support teachers and non teaching management staff. At Pinehill this means nearly three (3) of the 25 government funded positions are not available to put into classes. This means we cannot provide the stated ratio of teachers to pupils. Our class sizes are already larger than those stated in the budget announcements.

Our school by and large has very good teachers delivering quality learning for all our students. The issue with the latest round of budget announcements on class pupil teacher ratios is that it could result in increased class sizes for Pinehill. Any increase in class size will have an impact on the number of interactions a teacher is able to have with a child - which may impact on the quality of the learning all our children enjoy.

While the politicians say repeatedly that its the schools choice about class size, the reality is that we have little flexibility on setting class size while retaining effective leadership and support for our teaching staff.

Here at Pinehill our Board has long recognised this by resourcing the provision of up to 2 additional teaching positions each year in order to maintain lower class sizes.  As a state funded public school, one needs to ask the question - Should this be necessary?

We will continue to deliver the best learning outcomes for all our children - in spite of Government policy, however if you find this policy concerning you may wish to write to our local MP and let him know your thoughts.

Thank you to everyone who came out and attended the parent information evening on digital learning. If you would like to view the slides from the presentation click on the link below.

http://www.slideshare.net/julienlesueur/digital-learning-pie-160512

http://www.slideshare.net/dakinane/2012-pinehill-parentmeeting

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9PQ3pSfKziU

Questions and comments, we look forward to your thoughts.

We have now confirmed the details for the Digital Learning Parent information evening. This will be held on Wednesday 16 May starting at 7.15 in the hall.

The first part of the evening will be a presentation outlining the role of digital learning and how it is impacting on our children. We will also discuss the DL survey results and some of the initiatives we are planning.

Part 2 will be a hands on demonstration of some of the work our children are doing using digital technologies to enhance their learning. A range of class levels will be on hand in Pohutukawa block for 30 minutes.

It is expected the evening will conclude at by 8.30pm.

We look forward to you joining us