Ontario’s primary school students are getting more individual attention from their teachers now that all junior Kindergarten to Grade 3 classes have 23 or fewer students.
Perth-Wellington MPP John Wilkinson made that announcement last week on behalf of Minister of Education Kathleen Wynne. Over 90.3 per cent of primary classes now have 20 or fewer students.
“I am proud of the accomplishments made by our local school boards that are in turn making a huge impact on the quality of learning of our students,” Wilkinson said. “The benefits of these smaller class sizes will become even more evident as our students continue to excel over the long term.”
In 2008-09 at the Upper Grand District School Board 90.4% of primary classes have 20 or fewer students; and all primary classes have 23 or fewer students.
At the Wellington County Catholic School Board 90.3% of primary classes have 20 or fewer students; and all primary classes have 23 or fewer students.
Provincial spending has put 5,100 additional teachers in primary classes across Ontario, significantly reducing their size.
“I want to thank everyone who partnered with us to achieve this significant milestone that’s making a positive impact in Ontario’s elementary schools,” said Wynne.
“Smaller class sizes allow for improved teaching and more individual attention which will help our students reach their full potential.”
One-quarter of primary classes in 2003 had 25 or more students. As well, this year, more than 540,000 primary students, are in classes of 20 or fewer, compared to only 166,000 students five years ago. Students in smaller classes receive more individual attention and are more likely to have greater success in the early grades.
