Class Size is Important
Reducing class sizes goes a long way in laying a foundation for a positive learning environment for our students. Since its inception in 2004/2005, government has invested $729 million into this initiative resulting in the hiring of more than 2,700 new teachers across the province to reduce class sizes. Funding for the small class size initiative will be going into its fifth school year and is an ongoing financial commitment by government to school jurisdictions. Class size funding is a targeted provincial initiative grant, meaning that the funds must be used by jurisdictions to hire or retain certificated teachers to lower or maintain class size averages.
It should be noted that the class size guidelines recommended by Alberta’s Commission on Learning are averages across a jurisdiction. When it comes to class sizes, schools and school boards need to have flexibility in classroom organization that supports parent and student educational choice. This means that some classes will be higher and some will be lower than the recommended averages. Government does not specify a maximum class size because there are no “one size fits all” solutions.
Many factors, including class size, contribute to student success. Excellent teachers, a high-quality curriculum, and parent involvement are a few of the other factors that combine to give Alberta one of the best learning systems in the world.
For additional information:
- Alberta Education Budget 2008
- October 2006: Facts on Funding
- July 2006: Additional $180 million for education in Alberta
- Jurisdiction Average Class Size
- March 2006: Student support enhanced through Class Size Initiative
- February 2005: Increased funding results in smaller class sizes
- July 2004: Funding for new teachers to reduce Alberta class sizes
