Class size is a topic of ongoing debate in the field of education. It is a critical factor that can significantly influence the learning experience of students and the effectiveness of teachers. Education research firm Scholaroo found Washington state has some of the worst teacher-to-student ratios in the country. In their 2023 report, Washington is one of the states in the bottom 25% of teacher shortages.
“There’s just such a sense of enthusiasm and promise amongst our educators, and students and parents and families. It’s this fresh start with new possibilities,” said Becky Pringle. Pringle is the president of the National Education Association (NEA), which represents 3 million educators.
Pringle said NEA affiliate Washington Education Association (WEA) is setting up a residence program to track and retain new teachers. Class size refers to the number of students assigned to a single teacher in a classroom. It is often expressed as a student-to-teacher ratio, with smaller numbers indicating fewer students per teacher. The ideal class size can vary based on factors such as grade level, subject matter, teaching methods, and individual student needs.
Smaller classes allow teachers to provide more personalized attention to each student, addressing their unique learning styles and needs. Fewer students can result in better classroom discipline and a more conducive learning environment. Students in smaller classes tend to be more engaged and participative in discussions and activities.
Research suggests that smaller class sizes can lead to improved academic performance, especially in the early grades. Numbers from Scholaroo show there are 60 teachers per 1,000 enrolled students. Washington sees a particular need for early childhood educators and special education professionals. Teaching methods, such as project-based learning or online education, can influence class size preferences.
