4 ~ Friday, February 28, 1997 — North Shore News WV class-si By lan Noble News Reporter WEST Vancouver teachers say bulging classes are their biggest concern. In a budget submission to the cash-strapped = West Vancouver District 45 school board, West Vancouver Teachers Association (WVTA) president Kit Krieger said District 45 is one of only nvo districts in B.C. that does not have class-size limits in its teachers’ collective agree- ment. That, say teachers, is the major reason that West Vancouver district class sizes are othe largest in the province's 75 school districts. Large class size creates tremendous stress, Krieger said. Although he could nor provide specitic figures, he said the number of teachers on long-term: stress leave is high in West Vancouver. “One factor I atiribute to teacher stress and burnout is class size,~ he: said. Class size and composition zre the most accurate indica- tors of teacher workload, he added. Each additional student increases marking and report- ing responsibilities, parent contacts, and mectings with other school personnel, said Krieger. West Vancouver schools superintendent Doug Mayer said the district has gone “as far as we can go” with class sizes. He added, however, that research shows that from Grade 4 on up, class size docs not affect the student’s learn- ing. “Our student achievernent has gone up every year those class sizes have increased,” he said. Player added that in prima- ry years, class size does matter and the school district’s aim is Teacher feels the pressure By lan Neble News Reporter A West Vancouver pri- mary teacher who has 30 students in her classroom said her class size is far too Instead, the teacher, who didn’t want her name: used because she feared her om enreen her would prefer a of 23; 25 at the outside. i classes today n tie the old ys ohn 30° children ‘in’ a classroom was _ RESTAURANT offer ends Mar., 12 ‘97 039. Lonsdale ‘Ave., N. Vancouver normal. Mainstreaming of special- needs children, the large num- bers of English as a second language students, curriculum changes, and new ways of teaching that no longer see a teacher standing at the front of the room drening on mean a class of 30 today is difficult to handle, she said. In addition, her class was not built to handle 30 stu- ‘dents and parents expect much more from schools today. ’ “Parents . really expect a “very high level of education . fort 1 ee deen she said. She said modern teaching max value Dinner $9 Dine-in Only Bi Sunday = Dinner only gam Delivery available 7 Da Tel. 984-0791 The penalties on co KGiction. are Substantial: “driving prohibition minimum | year b) _ if there is an accident, a breach of your insurance coverage resulting in repayment to ICBC of all property and injury claims c) a fine or jail sencence d) a ccriminal record There is so much you need to know ... Do not pass on experienced legal advice ARDAGH HUNTER TURNER Call for FREE initial consult 300-1401 Lonsdale Ave. N.Van. 986-4366 AFTER HOURS 926-3181 methods call for space for activity centres children can circulate through. However, in her class there’s no room for the centres. See Special needs page 1 to keep those classes low. Krieger. however, said there is no doubt that clas: size is one of the major factors of how 4 student learns. ccording to the WVTA, Add 75% To RRSP Your District 45 kindergarten enrolment of 21.2 per class is the highest among the province's 75 school districts. The provincial average is 17.13. you wil Tex Savings* CONSULTANTS LIMITED Suite 206-132 West 15th Street, N. Vancouver sted nbcge € SD ye phe exo et 1% tsar dap 35300 Pe weet = WORKING Wd or omg, pu daly mresnd oy qn SiC ws tertile coxmmes 9 525,000 ond gyseminetely 76¢ os ante soya of $60,000 Sete deme: ethedom iran on 25? gn techie ober whan Tha cheterwt sade mice 6 olen wf secertes of Warkeg Opcernsey Fund (TCC Le She ables male sclely by @ propeces etech coteins el donk: a the cling. ze concerns raised In primary classes, Wes' Vancouver classes sverage 26.1 students, while the provincial average is 23.6. In See Behavior page 16 For every dollar invested P receive: : 15° OPPORTUNITY. ; FUND ~ Seniors Day - - March 3rd Win a dinner for two. Present your Seniors Card when making a $10.00 purchase. Entry cards can be dropped off at the entry barrel in the RCMP Community Policing Centre. Draw will be on the last day of every month. 1199 Lynn Valley Road North Vancouver 980-9354 Accumulate 5 stamps, then enter to win a dinner for two.