CLASS SIZE
The Board understands that determination
of class size is dependent upon the financial ability of the school system.
In determining the size of various classes, the administration will consider
the following factors:
- requirements mandated
by the Tennessee Department of Education and the Tennessee General Assembly;
- requirements of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS);
- student enrollment which will help the teacher be most effective with
the students in the class;
- facilities in which the class is conducted;
- requirements
mandated under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act to provide
a free, appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment
as determined by the IEP team.
SPECIAL EDUCATION CLASS SIZE
The policy of Shelby County Schools is to ensure
that students with disabilities placed in the general education classroom are
provided a free appropriate public education (FAPE). It is our intent to assure
that the instructional needs of all students are met. This policy is to establish
equitable and educationally sound placement of all students including students
with disabilities in every classroom. Our school district will utilize the
state's BEP formula in determining class size for all classrooms.
To ensure
the provisions of a free appropriate public education (FAPE) according to state
law and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) are being met
our school district proposes the following:
- Education placement decisions
for all students, including students with disabilities shall be made based
on the instructional needs of the students;
- Provide joint staff development
and training for General Education and Special Education teachers (models,
strategies and interventions) for maintaining an inclusive classroom;
- Facilitate interactive planning sessions with Special Education and
General Education teachers as well as paraprofessionals regarding each student's
IEP;
- Training for General Education teachers on modifications and accommodations
to the IEP;
- All students in the general education classroom should have
access to the standard textbooks and instructional materials used in the
class; alternative or supplemental materials are provided as needed;
- Provide resources
and supports supplemental aid and material for students to progress in the
general curriculum and be successful in the general education classroom.
(e.g. Assistive technology devices and services, paraprofessional support,
adaptations in the classroom;
- Provide the technical assistance needed to General Education
Teachers in order to address the needs of individual students, and
- Training
for paraprofessionals is provided to ensure that they acquire the knowledge
and skills necessary to assist students in the general education classroom.
T.C.A. § 49-1-104