NEW YORK – Advocates for New York City public school students are celebrating the New York State Legislature’s passage of a bill limiting class size.
State Sen. John Liu argued in Albany that New York City public school children have been falling behind. In some cases literally hiding behind other students.
“There may be some students who like to sit in the back and are not noticed by teachers; They will not be happy because now more attention will be paid to each and every student,” Liu (D-Queens) said.
State lawmakers passed the bill by an overwhelming margin, calling for smaller class sizes.
The law will now mandate that class size limits be phased in over five years in all city public schools. Assuming Governor Kathy Hochul signs the legislation, the cap begins this fall and goes into effect in 2027. This would essentially translate to a 20% cap on class size each year.
Kindergarten through 3rd grade caps are now allowed a maximum of 20 students; 23 students per class in grades 4-8; and a maximum of 25 students per class in high school, up from 34 today.
The teachers’ union is celebrating the “milestone” decision.
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