In preparation for the 2011-2012 school year, the 2011 legislature added significant language in SB 2120
that affords Districts greater flexibility to meet class size requirements.
The Constitutional Class Size limits remain:
18 students in grades Prekindergarten through 3
22 students in grades 4 through 8
25 students in grades 9 through 12
Additionally, language in SB2120 states that the maximum number of students assigned to a core-
curricula high school course in which a student in grades 4-8 is enrolled shall be governed by the class
size requirement in grades 9-12 (1:25).
In the final version of the SB2120, there are notable changes to the Class Size Amendment as
highlighted below for your review. SB2120 clearly redefines Core-Curricula courses as follows:
Courses in language arts/reading, mathematics, social studies, and sciences in PK through 3,
excluding any extracurricular courses.
Courses in grades 4 through 8 in subjects that are measured by state assessment at any grade
level and courses required for middle school promotion, excluding any extracurricular courses.
These course are available for review at:
(http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/FileStores/Web/Statutes/FS07/CH1003/Section_1003.4156.HTM
).
Courses in grades 9 through 12 in subjects that are measured by state assessment at any grade
level and courses that are specifically identified by name in statute as required for high school
graduation and that are not measured by state assessment, excluding courses. These courses
can be reviewed at:
(http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/FileStores/Web/Statutes/FS09/CH1003/Section_1003.428.HTM)
.
Exceptional student education courses and,
English For Speaker of Other Languages.
The bill further defines “Extra-Curricular courses” as all courses that are not defined as “Core-curricula
courses,” which may include physical education, fine arts, performing fine arts, career education, and
courses that may result in college credit. Attached for your convenience, an Excel sheet listing the “New
Core Courses” as defined by the state has been provided. The “New” Core courses can be found on the
Class Size Web Application which may be accessed through the Employee Portal.
Each year, on our before the October student membership survey, Class size compliance will be
determined. To this end, schools are to begin planning as follows:
1. All grade level (PK-12) Master Schedules for the 2011-2012 school year are to reflect the
Constitutional Class Size Amendment limits allowed by grade group and section in the core
subject areas.
2. All 2011-2012 Master Schedules should reflect only authorized/funded positions.
Obsolete/unauthorized positions should not have schedules or students assigned.
3. Positions allocated above and beyond basic funded positions in 2010-2011 MUST not be
included in the 2011-2012 Master Schedule. Positions funded by, but not limited to, grants,
magnets, Title I, Title II and Title III will be addressed at a later date.
4. Current Gifted, SPED and Bilingual allocated teachers should be included in the Master Schedule
based on CASAS. Consideration must be given to the potential loss/growth of allocation based
on enrollment. The H-LAP program (6634) will fund only paraprofessionals.
5. No Mitigation will occur for the 2011-2012 school year. Please review elective courses closely in
order to meet class size with set allocations.
6. Schedule all students utilizing basic authorized positions as generated in the Spring Tentative
CASAS. Create TBA teachers as necessary only for vacant, authorized open positions. Only
under these conditions may a TBA be scheduled. The TBA's last name must include the Position
Control number, for example "TBA Alg #53036668 or TBA Rdg #53036668."
7. “Everybody Teaches.” Ancillary e.g.; counselors, media specialist, activities directors, test chairs,
ELL program teachers and elective teachers with appropriate certification and/or approved out-of-
field waivers will continue to be utilized in core subject areas once their program and contractual
requirements have been met.
8. All core certified teachers are to be used in core course subject in which they are properly
certified. (to comply with Highly Qualified Teacher requirements)
9. Teachers with multiple certifications should be scheduled to teach core courses for which they
are certified, if the school is not meeting class size.
10. Classrooms utilizing Co-Teacher Models should be maximized (i.e. 18/36; 22/44; 25/50) as space
permits.
11. Senior Highs will receive .5 Driver’s Ed. position and must offer driver’s education course.
If you have any questions regarding Class Size, please contact Ms. Cynthia Gracia, Administrative
Director, District/School Operations, at 305-995-1891.
Freddie Woodson
Deputy Superintendent
District/School Operations