Class Size, Building Representatives, Fall Conference

Class Size

Class size standards for the state of
Missouri (DESE):

Grades
K-2 Minimum Standard 25, Desirable Standard 20
3-4 Minimum Standard 27, Desirable Standard 22
5-6 Minimum Standard 30, Desirable Standard 25
7-12 Minimum Standard 33, Desirable Standard 28

In the first couple of weeks of contract time, I've visited some 35-40 schools. Most of those visits were of the quick hit-and-run variety to drop off member materials, but even a cursory look in classroom windows revealed some over minimum standard class sizes.

There were 42 math students in a class at one middle school, and 36 freshmen in an English class at one high school. Some principals have altered schedules and class assignments to adjust; others have seemingly thrown up their hands.

It is clear that many schools in the district are over-crowded and under staffed, which makes it all the more astounding that the district has chosen on two occasions to turn away voter approved tax revenue.

What are your class sizes like? The best way to gather this data would be to email your numbers to your building rep so they can forward a compilation on to me - if that's isn't convenient, just email them directly to snea@aol.com.

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Building Representative Meeting Schedule (4:15-5:30)


September 21 - Greg Jung, Missouri NEA President
October 19 - Missouri Legislature Candidates
November 16 - Anita Kissinger, SPS Executive Director Professional Development/CQI
January 18 - TBA
February 15 - TBA
March 15 - TBA
April 19 - TBA
May 24 - Springfield NEA Picnic

Did you know that, according to SNEA by-laws, you can have one BR for every seven members? Whether you are a BR or not, please feel welcome to attend. You will be fed well and enjoy some great company and conversation. New members welcome - as well as suggestions for speakers/topics for open dates.

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Fall MNEA Representative Assembly

One order of business at our first BR meeting will be the nomination of delegates to the MNEA Representative Assembly, which will be held in Jefferson City on November 10-11. Featured programs include:

Visualization: The Key to Reaching Students Today—Mary Kim Schreck
Active Learning: Strategies for Achievement—Tom Jackson
Bully check: A Safe School - MNEA Bully—Free Schools Cadre

Nominating Delegates by email - Send your nominations to snea@aol.com. We will also be accepting nominations from the floor at the Sept. 21 BR meeting. Make sure the nominee is willing to attend. SNEA reimburses the district for subs (key SNEA on back of sub-finder brochure).

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President's Report

This has been an extremely busy couple of weeks for all of us, but I wanted to outline some of my activities.

• Benefits Committee - Attended all meetings - I'm hopeful for some positive changes. I believe some of these may be introduced for discussion at the October board study session.
• Compensation Committee - Begin in October/November. We are seeking proportional representation on this cmte and are working on a multi-year proposal.
• Regular meetings and communication with administrative staff and Dr. Ridder, who has been open and accessible. Working on your behalf for positive change and flow of information.
• Regular meetings and communication with board members.
• Meetings with legislators and candidates on issues important to public education.
• SNEA Executive Board meetings - invaluable exchange of information and ideas to help us all perform our jobs better. We are fortunate to have a very talented and fully engaged group on our executive board.
• Participation and assistance with SPS staff development programs.
• Helping teachers overcome obstacles that inhibit their performance - sometimes it's just a matter of making connections or making people aware. Early on, I've been encouraged by the cooperation from administrators at all levels.
• Working to keep our members informed.
• Building visits - snea@aol.com