AVERAGE CLASS SIZE
House Bill 4557
Sponsor: Rep. Irma Clark
Committee: Education
Complete to 4-28-99
A SUMMARY OF HOUSE BILL 4557 AS INTRODUCED 4-22-99
House Bill 4557 would amend the Revised School Code to require that kindergarten through third grade (K-3) average class size be reduced to not more than 17 students per class (with not more than 19 students in any particular class). The policy would be phased-in over five years, beginning in the 2000-2001 school year and continuing through 2004-2005.
Under the bill, the policy to reduce class size in the early elementary grades would be implemented first in schools having the highest number of low income students. Specifically, during the first year, class size would be reduced in any school building where at least 50 percent of the students enrolled were eligible for free lunch. In the second year, class size would be reduced in any school building where 35 percent of the students were eligible for free lunch. In the third and fourth years, class size would be reduced where, respectively, 20 percent and 10 percent of the students were eligible for free lunch. In the fifth year and for each school year thereafter, the average K-3 class size would be reduced in all schools.
House Bill 4556 would require that the K-3 average class size policy be adopted by the board of every school district, local act school district, or public school academy that operates some or all of grades K-3. Under the bill, "free lunch eligibility" would be determined under the National School Lunch Act, reported to the Department of Education not later than October 31 and adjusted not later than December 31 of the immediately preceding school year.
MCL 380.1290
Analyst: J. Hunault