Large class sizes frustrate some students and teachers, create pressure for change

Park has run out of desks. Multiple classes of more than 40 students, has contributed to this.

Sophomore Danny Goldstein said his AP world history and IB chemistry courses are very crowded.

“It’s very distracting (having large class sizes) because it takes longer to get (work) done in class,” Goldstein said.

Not all students see large classes as all bad. Senior Grant Lacey said he sees positives and negatives to large class sizes.

“Large class sizes can be helpful when working in groups, but it can be difficult for students to get one-on-one time with the teacher,” Lacey said.

Sophomore Meagan Hein is another student who said she is frustrated with her overcrowded classes.

“I don’t like (my classes) being really crowded. But overall, it’s fine if the teacher is OK with it,” Hein said.

According to Principal Rob Metz, average class sizes are smaller than last year. However, Metz said there are a few classes that are noticeably full.

Metz  also said class size decisions are always difficult.

Metz used 12th grade English as an example. There are 39 students in IB English HL, while there are 35 students in each of the regular English classes.

“If (IB English 12) were split, there would be a class of 19 and another of 20. Those students are all motivated,” Metz said. “(The students in regular English 12) need more help. I don’t want IB English to have fewer kids than regular English 12,” Metz said.

In an effort to reduce class sizes, the school added sections of Spanish, choir, world history, biology and orchestra. These were the courses where Metz was most worried about class sizes.

However, many teachers said they are not happy about the large class sizes that have become common this year. English teacher Julianne Herbert said she is unhappy with the size IB English HL-12 class of 39 students.

“(Having a large class) makes it very difficult to teach, and I’m afraid students aren’t getting the experience they deserve,” Herbert said. “(IB English 12) is a discussion class and it’s difficult to make sure everyone is heard.”

Other teachers like Julie Wavrunek see the large classes differently. Her AP Statistics class has 41 students, one of the largest in the school, but she said she does not mind.

“I love the fact that a large group brings lots of ideas and perspectives,” Wavrunek said.

Metz said more desks have been ordered, but most class sizes have been finalized for the semester.