AUSTIN, Texas (AP) - Some legislators want to look at adjusting the 22-student class-size limit for lower grades as Texas faces an estimated $11 billion budget shortfall going into the 2011 session.
The Dallas Morning News reported Monday that state Sen. Dan Patrick of Houston says the limit is costing school districts "millions and millions of dollars" without any evidence that it boosts achievement.
Leaders of a special legislative committee, Sen. Florence Shapiro of Plano and Rep. Rob Eissler of The Woodlands, say class size standards will be scrutinized.
The requirement limiting classes in kindergarten through fourth grade to 22 pupils was enacted 25 years ago. A new class must be created, with an additional teacher, when a class in affected grade levels hits 23 or more students.
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Information from: The Dallas Morning News
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