Studies have proven that. As more teachers and parents see lower class size being a viable reform, support is growing. The Legislature twice approved SAGE funding that Gov. Thompson did not request, but did not veto, either. It's become a monster of an idea. This concept arrives after years of local debate about charter schools, vouchers, higher standards and decentralization, which put some parents and teachers at odds.
Most parents say they want it for their children.
But don't count on it quite yet. Some will claim we're saying it's a panacea, or they may attack the program's supporters. Johnson noted that California has reduced class sizes in some schools with good results, even luring private school students back to public schools. It will include reducing class size, building new schools, changing the state funding formula, supporting programs before and after school, and ensuring summer courses. The push for smaller school classes got started in the spring 1993 elections.