Caps on class size lead to more split grades in Ontario

Primary classes in Ontario, Canada, are getting smaller—but the number of split grades is increasing as a result and some schools are scrambling to find space to accommodate the extra classes. As boards move to meet provincial rules mandating 20 students or less in classes from junior kindergarten to Grade 3, problems are arising. Scott Harrison, a Toronto District School Board trustee who represents Scarborough Centre, said one school is at "126 per cent capacity." It has lost dedicated rooms like the music room, to find space. While Harrison said split grades have been "around forever" and there's no evidence to suggest they aren't a good learning experience, he feels boards do need some flexibility around the cap to deal with problems at individual schools. Read more at TheStar.com.