A r c h i v e d I n f o r m a t i o n

Guidance for Class-Size Reduction Program: April 2000

Section B. Definitions

Among the terms used in the authorizing statute, the following may need clarification. For the purposes of this Guidance, the Department will use the definitions below.

Class size -- The Department of Education will apply the principles below in interpreting the term "class size."

The class size in a school may be determined by either the average number of students per regular class during the regular school day in each grade level in the school or the maximum number of children per regular class during the regular school day in each grade, whichever is consistent with State or local policy or practice.

Only classroom teachers responsible for a child's primary classroom instruction (i.e., where the core curriculum is taught) should be counted in determining class size.

Pupil/teacher ratios, which typically include teacher aides, art, music or physical education teachers, support personnel, or specialists such as counselors or librarians cannot be used in determining class size.

If an LEA is calculating an average class size, it should include any special education students who are integrated into regular classrooms. It should not count special education students who are not integrated into the regular classroom in calculations of regular class-size averages.

States and school districts should follow State or local specifications of when and how to count the number of children per class.

Early elementary grades -- For the purposes of this program, "early elementary grades" means grades kindergarten through three.

Teacher -- For the purposes of this program, "teacher":

Includes teachers of regular classrooms, special education teachers, and teachers of children with special needs, such as those with disabilities or limited English proficiency.

Does not include administrative or support personnel or teacher aides or paraprofessionals.

Does not include guidance counselors, librarians, or other school professionals who do not provide direct classroom instruction in the core curriculum.

Fully qualified teacher -- For the purposes of this program, "fully qualified teacher" means a classroom instructor who:

Is certified within the State to teach the grade level and/or subject to which she or he is assigned;
Has a baccalaureate degree; and
Demonstrates the general knowledge, teaching skills, and subject matter knowledge required to teach in his or her content areas.

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[Section A. Introduction]

[Section C. Relationship To Title VI of the ESEA]