Biden introduces bill to reduce class size and hire 100,000 teachers

[jillan]

http://www.allamericanpatriots.com/48733774_joseph_biden_joe_biden_senators_biden_murray_introduce_bill_reduce_class_size

October 1, 2007 -- 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.” . . .

. . . 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


I hope it passes!

[Mass]

1. Definitively a worthy bill. These classes are way too big.

I am not sure however, that $ 2 billion will be enough for that.

[BrklynLib at work]

2. Gosh. Biden is acting like a man with nothing to lose. I love it!

[PatSeg]

3. It is good to see some real GUTS in politics for a change

He doesn't back off or mince words. Meanwhile, he actually gets things done in the senate. I want to know what kind of vitamins this man takes!

[murbley40]

4. i think

he draws his energy from his love of his work and his belief that he is right.

[PatSeg]

6. I think so too

His strong family bonds and personal tragedies seem to feed his overall perspective on life. Someone said on another thread that he runs his race "as if he as nothing to lose", which makes him a bit bolder and more outspoken than many.

[PatSeg]

8. Oops, I'm not awake

Someone said that right here on this thread! I apologize.

[SaveElmer]

5. Biden is the anti-Kucinich...

Whereas Kucinich uses his position as a Congressman to cast symbolic protest votes, often to the detriment of those he purports to be speaking for (SCHIP), proposes pie in the sky proposals that have exactly zero chance of passing, seems to be unaware that nearly half of Congress is of the opposite party, and seems highly reluctant to get his hands dirty doing actual legislating...Biden does just the opposite, using his position to make progress...he will schmooze anyone he has to, cajole anyone he has to, compromise when he has to, ...and most importantly will attempt to craft legislation that is both effective and has an actual chance of passing. He is the personification of what a legislator should be all about...

I would stack up Biden's record in Congress against almost anyone else's in the race...including Hillary (who has been impressive in her own right)...

[PatSeg]

7. You summed up Kucinich quite well

He is a rebel with a conscience, but not necessarily effective. Biden learned to be an effective legislator from old-time pros on both the right and the left. He knows it is not enough to be right. You have to be persuasive and be willing to make compromises if you wish to attain long term goals.