Senator Biden introduces legislation to reduce class size in America's schools.

[Steve_in_California]

Other's talk . . . Biden delivers!

October 1, 2007
Press Release

Sen. Biden & Murray Introduce Bill to Reduce Class Size


Class Size Reduction Bill to Fund Small Classes and Hire 100,000 New Teachers

Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Joe Biden (D-DE) joined with Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) today to introduce a bill today that would substantially reduce the average class size in schools nationwide. The bill, the Class Size Reduction Act of 2007, would provide $2 billion in funding to hire 100,000 new teachers to reduce class size, particularly in the early grades.

“Research has consistently shown that small classes, particularly in the early grades, improve student performance,” said Sen. Biden. “When a teacher is responsible for a classroom of 25, 30, or more students, how can we expect each student to receive enough time and attention? One pillar of our education system should be small classes.”

The Murray-Biden Class Size Reduction Act of 2007 would strengthen earlier national efforts to reduce class size in the early grades. The No Child Left Behind Act incorporated the Class Size Reduction Program into Title II of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. The Murray-Biden Class Size Reduction Act would restore a separate funding stream for the class size initiative - ensuring that efforts to reduce class size would not have to compete for funding with a broad array of other teacher and administrator professional development and training funds.

Research has shown that the benefits of attending small classes are the greatest for students in kindergarten through third grade, with even greater benefits accruing to those students for each additional year spent in small classes. Research further shows that at the end of fifth grade, students who were in small classes in first through third grades were approximately half a school year (5 months) ahead of students from larger classes in all core subjects--reading, language arts, math, and science.

Under the Murray-Biden bill, states and districts would receive funding to reduce average class size to 18 students in order to create a continuum of small classes for students as they progress from kindergarten to third grade and beyond. For districts and schools that have already reduced class size to an average of 18 students in those early grades, funds can be used to further reduce class size in the early grades, to reduce class size in subsequent grades, or to improve instructional practices in small classes.

Promoting smaller classes will enable teachers to spend more time on instruction and less time on discipline and classroom management. Recognizing that smaller classes require different types and methods of instruction, funding may be used for professional development to support high quality instructional practices. The bill also establishes a web-based National Clearinghouse on Class Size that would make research, best practices, and resources on small classroom instruction easily accessible to the education community. Additionally, the legislation requires an independent evaluation to be conducted to determine the impact and effectiveness of the initiative and the creation and maintenance of a National Class Size Database.

“The ultimate success of our education system depends on teachers,” added Sen. Biden. “Ask any teacher if it matters whether they are teaching a class of 18 students or 25 students and you’ll get the same answer every time: absolutely. Smaller classes will provide teachers with the resources they need to create the opportunities for learning that our students deserve.”

###

[gateley]

1. We've known the importance of this for years. I'm so pleased that Senators

Biden and Murray are taking action.

Patty Murray was my Senator from Washington State. i'm thrilled she's hooked up with Biden on this.

Thanks for posting this, Steve.

[Steve_in_California]

2. People aren't being allowed to learn about Biden's domestic agenda.

The press is counting on 9 1/2 more years of political battles with polarizers like Hillary or Radio Rudy to write about.

[midlife_mo_Jo]

32. And how long would the states have to implement this mandate?

Being in a fast growing school district, we already can't keep up with the explosive growth. My state mandates a maximum of 22 students per class for grades K-3 or maybe K-4. Just reducing class size by four students in my kids' school, and we'd need another classroom for five grades. We don't have five extra classrooms. And being in a fast growing district, all of our schools are full - practically from the day they open!

I think eighteen would be a great mandate for kindergarten through 2nd, especially, but it would be a huge burden on some school districts.

My children's school has a lower student /pupil ratio. By the time you factor in the music, p.e., art, and computer instructors, and the resource room teachers, ESL teachers, we have a lot of staff, we just don't have one teacher for eighteen students in each classroom.

[Steve_in_California]

48. My experience.

I attended a special honors program in New York City, for students with very high IQ's. The program was experimental, and that's why only the best students were chosen for it. The idea was, to find out if students could learn more, faster, if exposed to a mutli-class experience while in the lower grades. The class schedule varied according to the day of the week. The students were actually taking 14 different classes each week, some everyday, some only 2 or 3 times per week. The upshot is, the program was a smashing success. The State Board of Regents concluded that such a model could be employed for educating students at all levels of ability. This model saves lots of money, since the old model--that is, teaching the same subjects everyday--had inbuilt inefficienes which the new model did away with.

[midnight]

3. This is a worthy topic. It gets recycled so much.

[malta blue]

4. Why isn't this information in the MSM?

This is crucial legislation for the future of our nation, yet the MSM is All Hillary All the time, except for when it wants to hug Obama...I am so tired of the MSM :mad:

[LWolf]

5. 1. Good move on Biden's part. 2. Bad propaganda on yours.

Kudos to Biden for this. He is one of the top 3 when it comes to public education. Since that's my profession, it's a high-stakes issue for me.

The "top tier" are not included in the top 3 on education btw.

Bad propaganda: "Others talk, Biden delivers." It's true for the rest of the senators running, (except for former Senator Gravel), but not for all his opponents.

Biden is strong enough to promote using truth in advertising. He doesn't need bad propaganda. He has 2 issues that prevent me from supporting him in the primary, but I recognize his strengths and think you could campaign on them without the bs.

[Froward69]

7. What are your two issues?

[LWolf]

36. Iraq and the Bankruptcy bill.

I've heard the reasoning behind what he says about Iraq. I just disagree. I want the U.S. out, not just NOW, but YESTERDAY.

The bankruptcy bill troubles me. I've read his explanation. I'm still left uneasy and distrustful on that one.

You asked, so there it is. I'll end by saying that, while Biden isn't my primary candidate, I think he's one of the better in the current pack.

[Steve_in_California]

41. 65 Senators Voted For That Bankruptcy Bill.

Biden voted for it because it was going to pass anyway, and it gave him an opportunity to see to it the bill contained benefits for small business. This is how Washington politics goes. It's a fact of life.

[Jillian]

42. Edwards voted for it too when he was in the senate.

[LWolf]

49. That's true.

Froward69 asked me what my two issues with Biden were, and I answered. Please note that they weren't included in the original response to you. You started a thread to recognize Biden's positive work for education, and I stepped in to add my support for that work.

I've already heard Biden discuss it, as I already mentioned. You are, of course, free to see things differently than I. That doesn't negate the fact that I have 2 issues with Biden that keep him from getting my primary vote. It's not your vote at issue, but mine.

I don't like corrupt Washington politics. That's also a fact of life.

I don't have to bless said politics with my vote, if it bothers me. That's also a fact of life.

[Froward69]

54. Fair Enough

Thank you. Hillary and Edward fans seem to have an impediment about stating their rationale.

[Steve_in_California]

13. What sort of an "educator" uses vulgar expressions like "BS?"

[LWolf]

38. This kind of an educator.

The kind who doesn't come from a nice, traditional, safe and secure middle class, and who hasn't forgotten her roots.

The kind who can speak more than one dialect, and who knows the value of strong language used sparingly.

The kind who doesn't need your approval to speak.

The kind who despises classism, and despises the use of classism as a debate rebuttal.

The kind who thinks educators should communicate truthfully, instead of with BULLSHIT propaganda.

Who made you the authority on vulgarity, and gave you your badge?

[Name removed]

39. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[rucky]

50. You haven't spoken to a teacher since you were a kid, have you?

:rofl:

[LWolf]

51. And that's a personal attack.

Not only is it against DU rules, it's an example of the worst way to make a point. False propaganda is a weak tool for those who don't have enough substance to make their point without it.

Responding to a rebuttal with a personal attack, without any reference to the point made, is a sign of weakness.

Just in case you are unable to recognize a point when it is made, and can only flail around ineptly with personal attacks, I bolded the point above for you.

My students know better than this.

[gateley]

19. Thanks for giving Biden's ranking regarding public education. My niece is a

teacher and I sent her this article last night, only subtly indicating she might take a look at Biden :7. She lives and teaches in Seattle so it was doubly nice to see that he's co-sponsoring with WA State Sen Patty Murray.

For you and all the other over worked, under paid and under appreciated teachers, it is my hope that our elected officials continue to take take steps to better what is in my opinion, a shameful lack of support.

Here's to ya! :toast:

[LWolf]

35. I'm glad to do that.

Education is important enough that anyone who is willing to address the real crises we are facing will get my thanks.

:hi:

[cobalt1999]

6. $2 billion seems way too little to do this.

In just our county, that would mean building a number of new schools, then the teachers, administration, and additional buses. Hell, doing that for one large state could use up a good bit of the $2 billion.

If he is really serious, that number should be more like a first year $30 billion.

[murbley40]

8. Way to go Senators.

[Steve_in_California]

16. Refer to my post below: How to get things done in Washington.

[gateley]

20. Agree, but getting support for our education system has been low on the

priority list, it seems, so maybe a proposal with a more palatable dollar sign is a good way to start. No way will the R's give $30 bil to any thing but the War.

[cobalt1999]

24. then you can't make the class size thing mandatory

otherwise the states are forced to pick up the slack and that is a LOT of slack.

[gateley]

26. Don't discourage me yet! Let me just bask in the warm feelings of envisioning

help coming to our schools, teachers and students. It's a nice thought and reality will come crashing down on me soon enough. :7

[cobalt1999]

28. LOL

Okay, bask away!

I'll try to guard the door from reality as long as possible. :)

[gateley]

29. Thanks, partner!

:toast:

[Steve_in_California]

46. This Country Can Do Anything To Which It Sets Its Mind.

Having the best education system is only the beginning of what this Country can do. In America, the rule should be, never accept anything less than the best.

[Rosa Luxemburg]

9. At last!

how many years have we been waiting for this?

[murbley40]

10. KICK

[noamnety]

11. That works out to $21,000 per school.

In other words, roughly the state aid we get for 3 students. Not enough to hire a full-time teacher, just enough (with benefits) to hire one teacher for a few hours a day per school for one classroom. How he thinks that's going to make a statistically significant dent it class sizes is beyond me.

Or $20,000 per teacher, including their benefits, meaning their salary would be well below that.

Not enough to make a dent, just enough for an empty political "I care" gesture.

[Sparkly]

14. I was just going to post the question of whether it's enough money.

In addition to teachers (including in areas where there are shortages), this would involve more classrooms -- whether school renovations, new schools, or those lovely "temporary" trailers.

[Steve_in_California]

17. Refer to my post below: How to get things done in Washington.

[gateley]

21. Rather than assuming it's just an empty political gesture, my interpretation is

that it's a step in bringing more awareness to this largely-ignored subject. Foot in the door, as it were.

[The Backlash Cometh]

12. Would it apply to public colleges too?

[Steve_in_California]

15. How to get things done in Washington.

You turn on the tap to a trickle, then keep opening it more until you have built the consensus for full funding.

[Sparkly]

18. My concerns are unfunded mandates...

... and cries of "We threw money at the problem and the problem is still there!"

(Don't you love how it's "funding" when they want it, but for education in particular it's always "Throwing money at the problem?")

[gateley]

22. Great observations. Our priorities are so screwy. nt

[cobalt1999]

23. I don't agree.

Especially if they make it a federal law and don't properly fund it because the individual states will have to fund the deficit in order to comply with the law.

[jillan]

27. You are right - and this is something that must be addressed as

the US is falling behind compared to other countries in education.

[Steve_in_California]

30. Come on, folks; you've got to be more intelligent than your comments reveal.

Does anyone really expect Congress to allocate $30 to $50 billion dollars on an untested program? Biden's $2 billion will accomplish two things: 1. Enough new teachers can be hired to demonstrate the concept is worth more investment from Congress. 2. End the endless cycle of campaign promises that never materialize by doing something concrete, establishing a foothold, a way past the promises which can ultimately lead to the sort of educational system this nation deserves and, to a great extent, already pays for, were it not for the fact that funding streams often get diverted. Biden has also proposed that we pay our nation's teachers like we pay or engineers or other professionals. $2 billion won't begin to cover it. But, it's a start and this is the way you build a concensus, so you can build on it and finally reach your ultimate goal.

It's called "politics" folks--and it may not be pure, it may not be straight-forward, and it may not be pretty--but thank God we have someone like Joe Biden to stear this country through the process of concensus building. We can't tolerate any more bickering and the stagnation it creates.

. . . Yes, Hillary, Barack and John; I'm talking about each of you.

[midlife_mo_Jo]

33. The extra teachers should go to inner city schools

[Steve_in_California]

45. Please explain why you seem to feel that all the money should be given to only inner-city schools.

Do you mean to say that taxpayers in places like rural Iowa and Indiana should not get their fair share? If so, what is your rationale?

[midlife_mo_Jo]

52. My point of view is that

If the federal government is going to severely underfund the mandate, I'd like to see most of the teachers go where they can make the most impact. If my school district gets funds for one teacher, for example, it's certainly not going to make much of an impact.

That's all I meant.

[PatSeg]

34. Quit making sense!

My brain can't process it!

[jillan]

25. Steve - I wish I would have seen this before I posted the same thing.

Guess you can say that together we are getting the word out :)

[Steve_in_California]

40. You know what they say about great minds and all that flocking together stuff.

[kad7777]

31. WAY TO GO JOE!!

Keep leading.

[ginchinchili]

37. But wouldn't that take $$ away from the war? Excellent idea, Sen. Biden!

Sen. Biden has a lot of good ideas, and has the experience to see them through to fruition. Joe Biden would really be the wisest choice the Democrats could make.

[Steve_in_California]

43. Yes, the education bill and the $26 billion takes money away from Bush's plan to wage war on Iran.

[Steve_in_California]

44. Edit: $26 billion for MRAP vehicles.

[Lucinda]

47. Looks great. Bookmarking to read it again in the morning

My eyes have about had it for the night. :)

[Thothmes]

53. Classes

The proposal on it surface has much merit. The real problem is who will foot the 100B construction bill to double the number of class rooms to support the reduced class size. There is a strong reluctance in many, many juridictions to raise taxes to support new construction or even maintain the buildings that exist. Smaller class size will provide little benefit if the classes are to be held on the lawn.

[murbley40]

55. kick