In the Senate, we’ve voted to keep class sizes small for K-3rd grade and ensure kids learn to read. SF 319 will continue Iowa’s successful class size reduction and early intervention program with a $30 million investment.
The Iowa Early Intervention Program set a goal of no more than 17 students per teacher in K-3rd grade classrooms. During the first three years of the program, average class sizes decreased. However, in 2003, class sizes started increasing again and have been on an upward trend ever since.
This is a trend we must turn around. It’s critically important to give our local schools the funding they need to provide a quality education to our kids. Smaller class sizes in early grades is a key component of that. It gives kids the personal attention they need to learn basic skills, especially when they’re learning to read.
Local school districts can use the “class-size reduction” money we’re providing in Senate File 319 for additional licensed instructional staff, before- and after-school programs, tutoring, all-day kindergarten and other steps to help young learners.
Research shows reading is a gateway skill—one that students must have to learn all they can in school. When students can’t read, there’s a greater chance they’ll drop out of school, get into trouble with the law and struggle with unemployment.
By investing in helping our youngest students learn to read, we set the stage for success in school and in life.