Media Release from the Society for Quality Education

Class Size Caps -- We Hate to Say We Told You so, BUT...

TORONTO – March 15, 2007

More than three years ago, the Society for Quality Education (SQE), predicted the problems that class-size cap policies would bring to Ontario’s schools.

“Every jurisdiction in North America that has tried to cap class size has faced the same issues some Ontario school boards are now grappling with—larger class sizes in higher grades, more split grades, lack of classroom space, more portables, enrollment restrictions to local schools and more,” said Doretta Wilson, executive director. Worse, smaller classes have not produced better academic results anywhere in North America.

Class size is one of those issues that parents have strong feelings about. However, there is little evidence that reducing class sizes to these levels will have much effect on increased academic achievement without changing instructional methods. Improving results still comes down to “what you teach and how you teach it,” Mrs. Wilson adds.

The Society for Quality Education is a charitable, non-profit organization dedicated to providing facts about quality education. The Society works to advance public and private education in Canada by disseminating authoritative information on educational governance and methodology. The Society is funded entirely by private donations. More information can be found at www.societyforqualityeducation.org

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