File:  IIB - CLASS SIZE

The School Committee recognizes that class size is an important factor in good education. Within the constraints of space availability and budget limitations, the School Committee will seek to maintain class sizes appropriate for sound instructional practices and for student learning. For this purpose, the following class size guidelines have been established.

In implementing these guidelines for both elementary and middle school levels, the Superintendent, in consultation with principals, may take into consideration the number of special education and/or English language learners  who will be scheduled into regular classes for portions of the school day.

ELEMENTARY

Kindergarten        19 (plus or minus 3)
Grade 1-2            20 (plus or minus 4)
Grades 3-5           21 (plus or minus 4)

Classroom aides may be assigned to classes in Kindergarten and First Grade which reach the maximum of the guidelines for their level if the budget permits and if an aide is recommended by the classroom teacher and the building Principal. Classes over the maximum will be redlined and no new students will be added to those sections.

If all classes at a particular grade level within the district reach the maximum of the class size guidelines, the administration will (1) look at space available to open an additional classroom and (2) determine whether or not the school district has the financial resources to fund an additional teaching position. If space and funding are not available, students will be added one at a time to every classroom throughout the district to equalize class size.

MIDDLE SCHOOL

The core academic subjects in the middle schools (grades 6-8) will be taught by teams of teachers. The guidelines for the number of students on each team shall be 21 (plus or minus 4) for each teacher on the team. This guideline shall also apply to World Language classes.

The size of classes in laboratory areas is influenced by the equipment, safety considerations and space that is available. Every effort will be made to maximize the learning experiences in these areas.

This policy was updated and approved by the Framingham School Committee in Open Session on December 7, 2022.