As a parent and an educator, I understand the importance of reducing the number of children allowed to be taught in one classroom with one teacher. Resently, I found out that some of the early classroom environments were without teacher assistants. This situation bothered me because the classroom size was about twenty-five children to one adult. I've found that classroom management is a problem, and therefore, learning is a problem for some children. Some of our children need one-on-one interventions to help insure their ability to master the curriculum.
If I were given the opportunity and could make a difference in placing assistants back into the classroom environments to help offset the limited amount of learning that takes place, I would show how children in smaller classroom sections learn at a greater rate, than children who are tossed into large classroom sizes and are forced to deal with bulling, lack of attention, motivation, and a numberof things that our children face in today's classrooms.
I choose classroom reduction because our children are receiving a disservice as far as having a right to receive the best education possible. We are all familiar with the statement: All children can learn", but those that have difficulities in learning can't receive extra help because their is no assistant in the classroom. Early Childhood ranges from birth through age eight, and these are the impressionable years, and the critical years for development, including cognitive functioning.
I would want my research to compel parents and policy makers to take a closer look at the decision to remove teacher assistants from the classrooms. Many parents embrace No Child Left Behind (NCLB),
without fully understanding that the child will be left behind if he/she does not meet the standardized test standards, and if they are not reading at the appropriate grade level. Our children must come first, and parents can and should have a voice that will be heard by politician, policy makers, and school officials. Let's help our children to succeed in school and life.
Theresa
ReplyDeleteI also agree that 25 children to one teacher is not an acceptable ratio. Too often, our governments make financial cuts in places that they just do not understand. I believe in your project and know that you would be able to find information regarding the importance of more one-on-one time. Great topic!
Rhonda
Hi Theresa,
ReplyDeleteI really agree with you, classroom management is a problem with some teachers because of the fact that they have too many children, as you stated some of the children need one-on-one intervention and they are not considered special needs but just enough to understand that they are not getting the concept; I feel that teachers with that many children really need a paraprofessional to help them give the attention to all children, not just the ones that understand and moves at a faster pace but all children deserve the right to a high quality education.
Hi Theresa,
ReplyDeleteI have the luxury of having a class of only 8 children,I have been offered another position with twenty children, that is something to think about.With my small class I have time for one on one and my kids all feel special.
Hi Theresa,I also agree that 25 children to 1 teacher is not effective. I believe this is a hot topic in our field. The outcome of your topic you were able to gain insight to make a change to the classroom based on the analysis of the research. Also, research gained from your study can impact other classroom size to be reduced.
ReplyDeleteThanks for Sharing!
Andrea
I am thrilled that you are researching this topic because I also believe that assistants can do nothing but benefit the classroom environment. I was an assistant whose job was cut because of budgeting and the head teacher began to complain of how stressful her work-load had become and how the children were even different. I am excited to see your end results!
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that twenty five students to one teacher is too much. I feel every preschool classroom should have two adults. I also feel that it should not be more than twenty students in a class meaning each adult will work with ten students. I enjoyed reading your blog.
ReplyDelete