“There are too many kids in that class! How can they learn with a class size that big?”
“How can my student get the attention they deserve with all those kids?”
But I thought bigger is always better, right? Not exactly. When it comes to class size, most families immediately assume that bigger is definitely not better. This perception can cause families to make decisions about schools and share feedback based on how many kids sit in a classroom on a given day. However, that feedback doesn’t always tell the full story.
Cate Reed, seasoned administrator, current Senior Vice President of Teach For America, and Possip Reporter, walks through tackle concerns raised from families about class size.
Families often have questions or feedback on the size of the classes their students are in. That is fair, since we can all agree that one on one instruction can be helpful when kids need targeted support. However, families likely have varying levels of information on how that is determined. Nor do they know the constraints that a school has when creating class size. And, they may not realize some of the advantages that larger classes can offer. We can all agree that we want as many kids as possible in front of the best teachers out there–within reason!
Below are 6 tips that can help you consider how to get ahead of concerns about class size, and position yourself to also share the opportunities and tradeoffs that come with various class sizes.
Listen Actively to Concerns About Class Size
Ensure you understand parents’ root concern – is it about the size of the class or what is happening in the classroom that is the real concern? Sometimes a family may be experiencing a child struggling with a concept, or a student dispute and automatically assume it is because the teacher cannot devote adequate time to the situation.
Tip: Asking questions like, “What caused you to bring this to my attention?” may elicit helpful information as you consider what to do next, and potentially help solve the real problem.
Provide Information
People sharing their concerns may not have and gently clarify any misconceptions or misunderstandings. Is a class larger than you expected because of the availability of teachers for that content area? Are some classes smaller because there are rules about the allowed number of students in those classes, meaning others need to be larger? Does your physical space have some influence on many rooms you actually have to teach students?
Tip: Without being defensive, share facts that may be out of your control to provide context.
Highlight Opportunities for a Large Class Size
Sometimes a large class size can actually benefit students. Classes that are too small can limit a child’s ability to have a social group that they enjoy. Sometimes there is a superstar teacher or subject that many kids are eager to get to experience, and having larger classes can offer that opportunity to more students. There is now an emphasis on teachers being less of a “sage on a stage”– and more as facilitators of learning. Larger class sizes give kids a chance to experience effective small group instruction, differentiation and different modalities of learning that will benefit them later in life.
Tip: See larger class sizes as a chance to enhance teaching and learning, not detract from it.
Give Behind the Scenes Details
Share how teachers manage their classes to meet the needs of all students. For example, you can explain strategies teachers use to manage larger classes effectively, such as differentiated instruction, small group activities, or technology integration.
Tip: Invite families to visit a classroom where these strategies are present to see how kids are engaged and learning.
Engage in Creative Thinking With Families
If you agree that there are valid concerns, enlist families in coming up with some ideas that might help. Parent volunteers? Team teaching? Additional tutoring options?
Tip: Invite families to be your partner in problem solving.
Communicate Changes About Class Size
If there are changes to class sizes or strategies implemented to address concerns, communicate these changes in a clear and timely manner. Providing regular updates reassures families that their concerns are being taken seriously and addressed appropriately.
Tip: Avoid advertising average class sizes, since anyone who experiences one above average will feel like they are losing out. Communicate great teaching strategies instead.
Above all, keep an ongoing dialogue with families about class size to avoid surprises. You might soon find families asking for their kids to be in classes with a few more kids, and a lot more learning!
