AUSTIN (AP) _ Among proposed solutions to the state’s massive budget deficit is changing a Texas law that holds most elementary school classes to no more than 22 students.
Legislative leaders and Comptroller Susan Combs say easing the requirement would save hundreds of millions of dollars and give school districts more flexibility in educating students.
But The Dallas Morning News reports that teachers groups, backed by Democrats in the House and Senate, say any change will reverse academic gains in elementary schools and force the elimination of as many as 12,000 teaching jobs.
Combs, a Republican, renewed attention on the issue recently after recommending that lawmakers scrap the 22-student limit in kindergarten through fourth grade, switching to an average class-size standard of 22. The class-size requirement has been on the books since 1984.
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