Course enrollment has been expedited this year, with class selection conversations to begin Feb. 16 and change requests due before spring break. During the 2024-2025 school year, course selections intersected with staffing changes, posing a unique challenge when matching students and desired classes. With this new policy, the district hopes secure classes based on student interest.
Q: Why has class enrollment begun so soon?
A: “This was across the district and I believe it is due to budget [issues],” math department head, AP Calculus and AP Statistics teacher Shawna Queen said. “Our schedule and number of teachers we have on campus is often determined by the amount of students enrolled in specific course. Most hires occur in the spring time. We need to know enrollment counts early enough to ensure adequate staffing for course. And in a time period where we are having to make cuts in the district budget, course enrollment affects not only hiring but potential cuts.”
Q: What do you anticipate class sizes to look like next year?
A: Principal Chris Simpson said, “Increasing class sizes is never never never a fun conversation– from an emotional side it’s not good for anyone in the system.” It all depends on what classes kids ask for. Staff numbers are based on a ratio projected by the district’s demographers. Right now there are 23 student to one teacher– if the district decides to move that ratio, that drives class sizes up or down. It’s not easy– bigger classes can put more stress on teachers and students won’t get the same amount of attention.
Q: Which classes will be cut? How are these chosen?
A: “We don’t know what classes are being cut yet– it’s based on numbers,” social studies department head and AP Psychology teacher Sabrina Sozansky said. “I would always be concerned that AP Psychology gets pulled. I know that on level psychology would not be, but AP just always concerns me. Some people may think that certain topics are too touchy, and with all the new legislative stuff, things could get out of hand. I always invite administrators in so they could see the value of my class.”
Q: How will larger class sizes affect teachers?
A: “We will still want to do right by you kids but it is hard,” Queen said. “Increased class sizes, on the surface don’t seem to make a difference– it’s the behind the scenes part. Grading takes longer, differentiating instruction is harder in large classes and building relationships can be more challenging.”
Q: How do you anticipate larger classes will affect students?
A: “For students when you have more people in a class it can be more challenging to focus which does make it harder to learn,” Queen said. “It is easier to “hide” or not be engaged and that can affect your success. So a larger class size indirectly puts more pressure on students to advocate for their learning and take the steps necessary to ensure their success.”
For more information, refer to the district’s Course Selection and Academic Advising page.
