Tennessee lawmakers are considering a bill that would eliminate K-12 class size maximums.
State law caps class sizes at 25 to 35 students depending on the grade level. This bill would get rid of those caps and allow local districts to decide class sizes.
Some parents say the current maximum is already higher than they’d like it to be.
“The kids are getting left out, kids raise a hand now, and you've got 25 in the classroom, the teacher can't get around everybody. Having 40, 50? It’s just hard, it’s going to be hard to do anything with that many kids with one teacher,” parent Torvis Gardner said. Gardner is with Nashville PROPEL, a parental education advocacy group.
Sonya Thomas with Nashville PROPEL shares those concerns.
“I'm afraid that many children, they'll get lost. They'll get lost in the pack,” Thomas said.
Senator Jon Lundberg is sponsoring the bill.
He says his intention is to allow schools to add a student or two if needed, not to create k through 12 lecture halls.
“When you have some of those anomalies, give them the opportunity to make a decision that is in the best interest of their school and their system, ultimately, in the best interest of their students,” Lundberg said.
Jackie DelPilar: Your goal is not to create super large classes, but without that law, how can you be sure of that?
“Can't be sure, but I think the expectation is those districts are going to take it upon themselves to keep those classes small,” Lundberg said.
Lundberg says if the bill passes, the state will send out recommended best practices to districts but allow them to set their own rules.
Nashville PROPEL parents say they worry this bill could disproportionately impact underperforming schools who need more support.
“Parents and educators alike have to stand together and help the school districts and know how important it is for these children to have access to their teachers and not be packed into a room like a bunch of sardines,” Thomas said.
If this bill were to become law, it would go into effect next school year.