Rise in school class sizes isn’t such a foreign idea, Letter, Oct. 29

In my youth, I had larger classes, too, but there is a reason why parents don’t allow children to invite 35 kids to their birthday party: attention. More students today have special education needs and students will get lost in large classes as they need time to build their skills so they are ready for their lives after school. Smaller classes are maintained for applied stream classes as these students are more successful with one-on-one attention and feedback from their teacher.

Having taught internationally, I have seen first-hand the difference smaller classes make. With fewer teachers in school, courses will be cancelled and instead of nurturing students’ interests in learning, the province is closing the door on their education. Imagine a child’s birthday party where you are the only adult in the home, despite the need for other adults (like our educational assistants who support students), and there is no limit on the number of children coming to the party.

Teaching is about building relationships with students and guiding them on their educational journey; do not let the government turn our successful system into a crowd control situation. Class size averages need to be returned to the 1:22 ratio of last year for the sake of Ontario’s future.

Jenine Mitrevics, Brampton

Students now expect a variety of teaching methods. They act out if they are not challenged. Several major essays are assigned and marked because fewer students means more individual time for marking. Teachers plan trips to Stratford and speakers for the classroom. The classroom is student centred. No longer is the teacher the final word. I fear going back to the “good old days.”