Oregon Class Size Bill Gains Momentum Amid Teacher Support

A legislative bill aiming to make class sizes a mandatory topic of negotiation between school districts and teacher unions in Oregon is gaining traction. If it clears a key hurdle in the House Education Committee, it could significantly impact educational conditions, especially for high-needs students.

Potential Benefits and Drawbacks

This bill could lead to a reduction in class sizes at well-funded schools, potentially at the expense of those serving lower-income students. Many districts currently assign additional teachers to schools with a higher population of students requiring special attention. Implementing uniform class size limits without adequate funding might result in a loss of teachers and support staff in these high-need schools.

For example, Portland Public Schools has opted to provide additional pay to teachers managing larger classes rather than imposing a district-wide cap. Currently, kindergarten teachers receive extra compensation for every student over 24, while middle school teachers are compensated when classroom sizes exceed 150 students across six periods.

Disparities in Overages

Data from Portland Public Schools indicates that a substantial portion of the overage pay has been awarded to schools with lower percentages of students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. For instance, Grant High School, with only 13% of students eligible for federal assistance, has received the most significant share of overage compensation, whereas Jefferson High School serves a largely low-income population but received minimal funds.

• Grant High School: Average class size of 29 students; highest overage pay at $860,000.
• Jefferson High School: Average class size of 19 students; minimal overage pay of $797.

Challenges and Future Considerations

As class sizes in Oregon have decreased since the pandemic, the current average stands at 22.5 students per class. However, many teachers express concerns that larger class sizes hinder their ability to provide individual attention, which is especially vital for students facing academic challenges.

The legislation, if passed, would not enforce specific class size limits but would require school districts to negotiate the topic with teacher unions. Similar laws exist in Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, and California.

As the bill moves to a potential floor vote, educators and stakeholders are closely monitoring its progress and the implications it may have on Oregon's educational landscape.