Board Policy #126/Class Size

Authority
The Upper Moreland School District's philosophy of education commits the district to provide a system of education that will offer equal educational opportunities in accordance with students interests, abilities and needs consistent with available resources.

Delegation of Responsibility
In implementing this philosophy, the district curriculum and related instructional programs are designed to create a program of learning which shall encourage the fullest possible development of each student and which shall emphasize the assessment of student needs and achievements.

To promote the implementation of the district's philosophy and planned programs, class size shall be determined by the Board of School Directors after consultation with the Superintendent.

For the opening of school, the Superintendent or designee will make every reasonable effort to schedule regular elementary, middle school and high school classes of approximately 25 students per class.

The nature of the instructional program of the district provides for various types of flexible groupings which are possible under the above student teacher ratio. Therefore, the size of the instructional group will vary according to the need and purpose of specific learning activities, and according to the purpose of instruction. A meaningful instructional grouping shall take into account: subject matter, ability of pupils, use of special facilities and equipment.

At the elementary level, individual building principals are directed to develop various grouping patterns that will encompass the concepts of age grouping, interest grouping, skill development grouping, all of which are designed to promote instruction within available resources.

At the secondary level, regrouping is encouraged so as to take into account the whole range of individual differences and interests of students. Grouping within classes, among classes, and grouping by curricula should be utilized.

In all buildings the professional staff is encouraged to use grouping patterns that will provide the best learning situation for all students.

The Board authorizes the Superintendent to make necessary modifications consistent with: changes in enrollment data, the guidelines noted above, and appropriate lead time for the effective opening of school. Necessary changes will be presented for ratification at a subsequent board meeting.

Number:	126
Section:	Programs
Title:	Class Size
Date Adopted:	February 12, 1979
Date Reviewed:	October 28, 2003

Authority The Upper Moreland School District's philosophy of education commits the district to provide a system of education that will offer equal educational opportunities in accordance with students interests, abilities and needs consistent with available resources. Delegation of Responsibility In implementing this philosophy, the district curriculum and related instructional programs are designed to create a program of learning which shall encourage the fullest possible development of each student and which shall emphasize the assessment of student needs and achievements. To promote the implementation of the district's philosophy and planned programs, class size shall be determined by the Board of School Directors after consultation with the Superintendent. For the opening of school, the Superintendent or designee will make every reasonable effort to schedule regular elementary, middle school and high school classes of approximately 25 students per class. The nature of the instructional program of the district provides for various types of flexible groupings which are possible under the above student teacher ratio. Therefore, the size of the instructional group will vary according to the need and purpose of specific learning activities, and according to the purpose of instruction. A meaningful instructional grouping shall take into account: subject matter, ability of pupils, use of special facilities and equipment. At the elementary level, individual building principals are directed to develop various grouping patterns that will encompass the concepts of age grouping, interest grouping, skill development grouping, all of which are designed to promote instruction within available resources. At the secondary level, regrouping is encouraged so as to take into account the whole range of individual differences and interests of students. Grouping within classes, among classes, and grouping by curricula should be utilized. In all buildings the professional staff is encouraged to use grouping patterns that will provide the best learning situation for all students. The Board authorizes the Superintendent to make necessary modifications consistent with: changes in enrollment data, the guidelines noted above, and appropriate lead time for the effective opening of school. Necessary changes will be presented for ratification at a subsequent board meeting.