For Immediate Release

Mayor’s report shows slight drop in average class size

Feb 14, 2008 7:32 PM

The Mayor’s Management Report released on Feb. 14 showed that citywide average class sizes dropped slightly in grades K-9.

UFT President Randi Weingarten responded with the following statement:

“The fact that the Mayor’s Management Report now includes data on class size shows just how important this issue is – not only to teachers but parents, too. The report cites citywide averages, but if it showed how many classes in each grade are below and above the averages we’d get a more accurate picture of where reductions need to be made. Still, the figures show that where there’s a will there’s a way. The city takes credit for the reductions even though the UFT had to ask the state to persuade the city to use some Campaign for Fiscal Equity money for that purpose as education advocates and parents intended. And even then the money was used only at targeted schools. Imagine what could be accomplished if more CFE money were used in a citywide effort to reduce class sizes!”