Why Class Size Matters

• Countless studies performed over decades by reputable education researchers have shown that smaller classes improve neighborhood schools. It's intuitive, and it's been proven.
• In many Florida schools, classes are too large, inhibiting the potential of thousands of students. Averaging 23 students per class, Florida is ranked the 6th worst state in elementary school class size.
• At the same time, our schools are large, too - 654 students per elementary school and more than 1500 students per high school on average. In fact, Florida has the largest schools in the country. With a disappointingly high student-teacher ratio, this adversely affects a child's ability to learn and develop.
• Meanwhile, the amount our state spends on public schools is an embarrassing 47th of 50 states nationwide - and Republicans wonder why our dropout rate is the highest in the nation!
• Democrats have been leading the fight for smaller classes for years now. But our legislative leaders can't do it alone.