Merkley, colleagues try again, reintroduce legislation to spend $2 billion on reducing class sizes

WASHINGTON (KTVZ) – Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Reps. Lucy McBath (D-GA-07) and Shontel Brown (D-OH-11) say they aim to address overcrowded classrooms by reintroducing the Smaller Class Sizes for Students and Educators Act, bold legislation that makes investments to address overcrowded classrooms and set students up for success.

Here's Merkley's news release on the bill:

Research shows students achieve better academic results with more individualized attention from instructors, especially in kindergarten through third grade, but continued strain on our public education system from staff shortages and tighter budgets has meant class sizes have only continued to grow.

Merkley, McBath and Brown are making a bicameral push for better student outcomes with their legislation to boost funding for schools to reduce class sizes and allow students more one-on-one time with teachers—improving the overall school experience for both students and educators.

“Growing up as an Oregon public school student, I remember having around 20 children in my first-grade class. When I dropped my son off for his first day of school, his class had 34 children, and I wondered how his teacher could organize and teach such a large group,” said Merkley. “It’s time to invest in the high-quality public education every American student deserves. We must ensure our children are able to succeed, and that can’t happen in overcrowded classrooms.”

“The role that teachers and educators play is critical in our children’s lives, and we must support our teachers so that students can receive an education that will set them up for future success. That includes more one-on-one time with their teachers, more tailored instruction opportunities, and more investment in developing the meaningful connection to instill a deep love of learning,” said McBath. “I thank Senator Merkley for his work and support on this important piece of legislation. It is efforts like these that will help us provide a brighter future for American children.”

“Every child in America deserves the best education we can provide, and that includes smaller class sizes, which can help students succeed. I am proud to join Congresswoman McBath and Senator Merkley in reintroducing The Smaller Class Sizes for Students and Educators Act to provide funding for schools and promote reduced class sizes, especially in school districts most in need. This legislation is good for students, good for teachers, and good for local schools,” said Brown.

The Smaller Class Sizes for Students and Educators Act:

• Establishes a $2 billion competitive grant program for school districts to reduce class sizes to not more than 18 students per class in K-3 grades,  
• Enables school districts to apply for grant funding to reduce class sizes, which the U.S. Secretary of Education will award based on the schools with the greatest need, and   
• Ensures that federal grant funding is used to recruit, hire, and train qualified teachers in K-3 grades.

The bill is cosponsored by Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Dick Durbin (D-IL), and Cory Booker (D-NJ). The American Federation of Teachers (AFT), First Focus Campaign for Children, National Parent Teacher Association, and National Education Association support the Smaller Class Sizes for Students and Educators Act.

“Class size matters. That is, of course, if you care about the success of our students. It’s common sense that when classrooms are overcrowded, it is harder for teachers to teach and students to learn. Most private schools have small class sizes, but shouldn’t we make sure it’s not just the kids whose families can afford private school have that opportunity? Sen. Merkley’s bill is a means to help make that smaller class size reality possible for every student in this country,” said American Federation of Teachers (AFT) President Randi Weingarten.

“First Focus Campaign for Children is proud to endorse Senator Merkley’s Smaller Class Sizes for Students and Educators Act. This legislation outlines a path for school districts to reduce class sizes by hiring qualified teachers and ensuring that they are prioritized for the schools that need them the most. Data consistently shows the importance of small class sizes for student achievement, and we are grateful to Senator Merkley for working to expand opportunity in education, ” said Bruce Lesley, President of First Focus Campaign for Children.

“Smaller class sizes enable more time to be devoted to each student, student needs to be more easily identified and material to be covered more effectively, which positively impacts children’s achievement,” said Yvonne Johnson, president of National PTA, the nation’s oldest and largest child advocacy association. “National PTA applauds Senator Merkley and Representative McBath for introducing the Smaller Class Sizes for Students and Educators Act to make federal investments to help school districts reduce class sizes and increase students’ learning.”

The bill text is available by clicking here.