Class Size

(Adopted
5/02)

The Board
of Directors of the Science Teachers Association of Texas supports
safe science instruction. STAT represents over 5,500 Texas science
educators who provide instruction for Texas students, early childhood
through college level. Laboratory and field investigations and classroom
demonstrations are important parts of science education. For these experiences
to be safe, adequate science laboratory and classroom space and supervision
of students are essential.

Science is one
of the core subject areas. Science is assessed on the TAKS in Grades
5, 10, and Exit Level Grade 11. The Grade 10 and Exit Level Grade 11
science assessments ensure that Texas graduates are scientifically literate.
Effective science instruction in elementary and secondary levels includes
laboratory and field activities. These activities are required to develop
a student's mastery of the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills, and
safe laboratory and classroom facilities must be provided for these
laboratory experiences.

Science laboratories
and classrooms in Texas high schools must meet the minimum of 58 net
square feet of floor space per student (41 square feet per student in
elementary and 50 square feet per student in middle school) to provide
safe laboratory conditions. The number of students assigned to a science
laboratory or classroom must not exceed the number of built-in laboratory
stations. Additionally, research shows that one science teacher should
supervise no more than 24 students in a laboratory situation. No more
than 24 students should be scheduled into any individual science class.
It is important for the teacher and students to have immediate access
to each other for safe and appropriate learning to take place. The type
of course and the age and maturity level of students should also determine
class size. Class size should be reduced by two students for each special
needs student added to the class. If three or more special needs students
are assigned to the same class, appropriate professional or paraprofessional
assistance should be provided. Studies show that serious laboratory
accidents are more likely when class size increases (Research available
through National Science Education Leadership Association www.nsela.org
and Science Teachers Association of Texas www.statweb.org).
It is imperative that administrators keep these guidelines in mind when
scheduling science classes to avoid risks. Safety of science students
and teachers is compromised when these guidelines are not followed.

Science teachers
and students must have safety training and access to appropriate safety
equipment, such as eye/face wash stations, splash-proof safety goggles,
emergency blankets, safety showers and fire extinguishers. Eye/face
wash stations should be activated weekly. Risks are reduced and liability
can be minimized when these steps are taken. Texas Safety Standards,
Science Facilities Standards, two publications of the Texas Education
Agency and the Charles A. Dana Center at The University of Texas at
Austin, and the NSTA Guide to School Science Facilities and NSTA
Exploring Safely: A Guide for Elementary Teachers are excellent
resources for laboratory safety and facility requirements.

The Board
of Directors of the Science Teachers Association of Texas urges
science teachers, instructional leaders and administrators to
adhere
to these guidelines to insure that safe conditions are provided for
science instruction by making appropriate science class size
a priority.