From: Diana Hamil (dlhamil@sbcglobal.net)
Date: Tue Oct 05 2004 - 01:08:13 PDT
Date: Tue, 05 Oct 2004 01:08:13 -0700 Subject: class size - tee-hee From: Diana Hamil <dlhamil@sbcglobal.net> Message-ID: <BD87A47C.972%dlhamil@sbcglobal.net>
I am currently suffering from the class size dilemma. I find it interesting
that the state puts limits on the 9th grade math and English classes, 22,
but it is OK to stuff twice that many into a 9th grade science classes,
where safety is an issue, not just those high stakes test scores.
Of course weıve all fought and continue to fight the class size battle. We
need to get together, especially in SF, to get our union to once again put
real limits on our class sizes, not just ³recommendations² or ³every attempt
will be made² language. It seems untenable that we have to band together to
get our union to work for us, but, there it is. Contract negotiations are
coming up, and I for one am sick and tired of being sick and tired due to
large classes.
I teach chemistry and physics. With homeroom, I currently have 217 student
contacts per day, in three, sometimes four, rooms. My smallest class has 36
students. Everyone, including administrators, sympathize and say I shouldnıt
have to, but - - - -
If anyone has a real solution that doesnıt involve me coming away with more
deep bruising scars, I am open to suggestion. You may have noted, there is a
previous message from Ellen Koivisto on a previous grievance on safety that
we filed here at Washington H.S. So much for results..... The only real good
thing happening this year is that the students are great.
I am here to support anyone who needs to talk about the issue, but my
personal resources are draining away quite quickly. If I were one year older
I could take this early retirement. Alas, Iıll only be 54 in June. Thank
goodness for the Exploratorium community.
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