The Daily Illini A bill to help decrease class size in kindergarten through third grade went through the Illinois House of Representatives last week and waits for further consideration by the Illinois Senate. Tom Berns, state representative for District 114, said that the early years of a student's education are the most formative because during these years students learn basic skills and enhance their cognitive abilities. During the recent congressional session in Springfield, Berns helped House Bill 216 pass in the House by an overwhelming margin of 115-0.
Teachers can only do so much.
Paul Thurston, professor in Educational Organization and Leadership, suggested that smaller class sizes have additional benefits. With fewer students to watch, teachers will be more able to keep students on task, which will improved the learning environment and decrease the number of discipline problems, he said. With class sizes for grades K-3 ranging from 23 to 25, the Champaign School District would benefit from a grant, said Assistant Superintendent Dr. Deloris Henry. During the past 10 years, enrollment in Champaign schools has increased by 1000 students, placing further constraints on already limited space. However, the district experiences fewer problems with overcrowded classrooms than other districts because it uses the Controlled Choice Student Assignment Plan.