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Our Secretary of Education, Betsy DeVos, has done it again ladies and gentlemen. In a budget proposal that would cut federal education spending, she claims that:
“Students may be better served being in larger classes, if by hiring fewer teachers, a district or state can better compensate those who have demonstrated high quality and outstanding results.”
I’m just gonna leave that right there and let it marinate for a second.
Okay, now that it’s had some time to simmer…when defending this outrageous comment, Betsy DeVos went on to say that some students may learn better in larger settings because they have more students to collaborate with in the classroom. She tried it!
I could easily find studies that corroborate the fact that smaller class sizes positively affect students. Or, I could visit just about any school in America and ask the teachers and students if they would prefer small or large class sizes to meet the learning needs of students. I’d bet money (and if you know me, that’s saying a lot because I’m quite frugal) that the resounding answer would be in favor of smaller class sizes.
This upsets me so much that I don’t even know where to start. As a teacher for nearly a decade, my class size ranged from 18 to 25 students. That year where I had 18 was beyond amazing; fewer small groups, more one-on-one conferencing…every teacher’s dream. On average, I’d say I was right around 22 students. And let me tell you Betsy, those extra bodies make a difference.
Smaller class sizes allow teachers to differentiate instruction. Even the most skilled teacher would find it difficult to meet the needs of all students in a larger class size. Indulge me for a second as I give Betsy a quick lesson on Lev Vygotsky and the zone of proximal development. In a nutshell, ZPD refers to the sweet spot when a learner can almost complete a task independently but still requires some guidance from a teacher or collaboration with a peer who has mastered the specific task.
As I typed that, I could hear Kanye saying, “Don’t let me into my zone. I’m definitely in my zone. Zone, zone, zone, zone, zone.” Well, Betsy, it will be more difficult for teachers to meet students in their respective zones when educators are trying to meet the needs of even more students.
Now, Betsy may try to use ZPD to justify her stance by focusing on collaboration with peers. Contrary to what she may think, larger class size does not necessarily beget more collaboration. Students can collaborate without adding more students to the mix. With a larger class size, teachers will have to be even more intentional about organizing heterogeneous groups, and they will have to be on top of classroom management and leadership, all while taking into account the various learning needs, styles, and personalities of more students. Geez, just thinking about that gives me a headache, which brings me to my next point.
Does our Secretary of Education not realize that the teacher burnout struggle is real? If she truly understood the severity of the struggle, I find it hard to believe that reducing the number of teachers and increasing class size would be the solution. With larger class sizes, the burden placed on teachers would be even heavier. Differentiating instruction, providing quality feedback, maintaining relationships…how can a teacher accomplish all of this without burning out? Betsy is sitting here talking about hiring fewer teachers, it’s difficult to retain the teachers we already have!
Now she did touch on one thing that needs more attention…better compensation for teachers. Though, I repeat, I strongly disagree with her proposal to make it happen. In terms of compensation, how about we just give teachers what they deserve in the first place?! Pay teachers what they deserve, give them the support they need, and maybe, just maybe the state of education will improve. Invest in education, it’s not rocket science.
So Betsy, in case you didn’t know…size matters and when it comes to educating our children, a larger class size isn’t better. In fact, students and teachers deserve smaller class sizes where the student to teacher ratio is more manageable resulting in stronger relationships, differentiated instruction, and more powerful interactions throughout the day, all reducing the likelihood of teacher burnout. Betsy DeVos continues to make it abundantly clear that she is not the right person for this job. Fewer teachers plus larger class sizes was not, is not, will never be the answer! 
~ Marissa
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You didn’t mention the effect larger classes are going to have on special needs students. Over the years we have seen budget decrease for supporting special needs students in the class room. Larger classes, more students with special needs, less overall class focus for the teacher, poorer productivity for the the students.
So true! I definitely could’ve gone on and on. In larger classes, I highly doubt students with special needs will get the support they deserve.
Fewer students make the learning environment so much easier. Our local school have 20-30 kids per class and our graduation rate is dismal. We need a change!
In the case of class size, less is more. I agree, it’s definitely time for a change!!
This is so frustrating to have someone in charge who clearly knows nothing about education. Small classes sizes are so much better for learning! And we definitely need to be paying teachers what they deserve which is much more than what they make now because it’s not enough.
Right?! It is extremely frustrating! Small class sizes, more pay…not only is it what’s best for students and teachers, it’s also common sense.
So agree with you on this. So important to have smaller class sizes so that the students get the attention and support they need to succeed. Betsy DeVos is the worst, and that’s be being polite.
Hah, that is being polite because I’m sure we could all say so much more. You’re right, smaller class sizes = more attention… it’s simple math.
Oh there is much more I could say about her that is not fit for a public comment. Glad you wrote this to get the information out there!
I’m with you! Give kids the attention they need and deserve!
Seriously!!
I totally agree with you!! I wish all schools would follow that
Sigh, maybe one day!!
Great article! As someone who grew up in a class size of 15 in a small town I know the importance of smaller class sizes. Kids need more attention and larger class sizes no matter how great the educator will not help many individuals who need more one on one attention
Wow, 15 sounds amazing!! Kids need so much attention! Unfortunately, that’s just not possible in larger class sizes.
My daughter is only one year old but so much to think about when she gets to school!
Sooo much to think about! At least you’re getting an early start. Perhaps things will change by the time your daughter starts school…I’ll keep my fingers crossed 🙂
Ughhhh this is so infuriating. Class size absolutely DOES matter. Bigger classes mean that kids get less individualized attention, and those who are struggling – or who are bored – don’t get the help they need. Class caps are important.
I couldn’t agree more! I didn’t even consider students who are bored, that’s a great point! Sigh, when will the government get it right?
I agree with you. Having fewer students in the classroom makes a HUGE difference. It allows the teacher to spend more quality time with each student and to help them succeed. And that’s is priceless!
Priceless…that’s the perfect word! The quality time that a teacher is able to spend with a student can have such a huge impact on that child!
What is being proposed by leadership and what is happening in the real lives of Americans is not aligned. Leadership is not in tune with real issues impacting our communities and the people their policies, if passed, would impact. This is such a shame. Public servants are supposed to know the issues and propose policies that would improve our situations not make them worse.
Sadly, the people in leadership positions are out of touch! You’re so right, they’re making situations worse instead of improving them.
As a teacher, I can’t thank you enough. Often times we feel that others don’t share our feelings. I’m happy to know others do!
I’m a former teacher, so I definitely understand! I only wish our secretary of education had teaching experience.
A+ to this blog post teacher! The disregard in which this administration has shown towards education is a new low. I doubt if Devos ever considered the research outcomes or even cares about relevant research on this topic. Her “arguments” feel like something contrived for the sake of cost cutting. Thank you for shedding light on the matter.
Such disregard! How funny that you put “arguments” in quotes; her “arguments” are definitely laughable. I think you’re right, it’s all about cutting costs with this administration.
I swear this current administration is a circus of clowns. This woman has not taught a Sunday School class, let alone and public school class deeming her unqualified. Her confirmation hiring was a joke as well. I grieve daily for my family members who are teachers and the students they serve. I placed my son in a private boarding school and have not looked back.
Right?! She is beyond unqualified! Teachers already have such a difficult job and sadly, this administration is doing nothing to help.
I’ve always felt teachers need way more support than what they’re given. Smaller class sizes, teacher aides/assistants, etc. The American educational system needs to do WAY better.
Teachers do so much for others with very little support, unfortunately. Our education system would benefit from changes informed by people with experience.
I get so incensed seeing her in the Education Secretary position even though I’m not American/don’t live in America; she is so utterly incompetent and it always pains my heart to see the sacrifices that teachers go through in the US because of this administration. I’m from Singapore and here our government values teachers so much that they are amongst the better paid civil service jobs in the country. Teaching is such a noble and self-sacrificial position; and education so critical to the future or any nation; that I cannot imagine any country treating this portfolio so frivolously. Hope things get better for you guys in November; the rest of the world have our hearts are with you. ♥️
Thanks, Shafinah! I was nodding my head in agreement as I read your comment. I really hope something changes in November because we have a lot of work to do!
Thanks for sharing. This blog post touches my heart. Keep it up!
Continue posting such new things.
Thank you! I hope we see a positive change in the near future!