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Class Size

Almost two decades ago, Florida voters had become so fed up with large class sizes in their children’s public schools they voted to amend the constitution to correct the problem. Floridians knew is that smaller class sizes would benefit all students.

Research backs this up, supporting the positive impact that smaller classes have on student achievement and the role it plays in reducing the racial achievement gap seen all too in standardized testing.

Despite the overwhelming public support and research-based evidence that smaller classes, especially in early grades, have long-lasting positive impacts on students, Florida’s legislators have been trying to undermine the intent of the constitutional amendment almost since the minute it passed.

From dramatically decreasing the number of courses identified as “core,” to allowing school-wide averages for “Schools of Choice,” the Florida legislature’s attack on the constitution is harming our students. It is no surprise that more than 30 percent of parents who use vouchers in Florida say one of the top things they want from their school is “small classes.”

Students in Florida’s public schools have a constitutional right to small classes and the benefits that come with them. Instead of continuing to funnel public money into unaccountable private schools, the Florida Education Association calls upon the legislature and the governor to fully fund and implement the original 2002 voter mandate.

Resources

U.S. District Judge Rules Part of Florida’s 2023 Union Busting Bill Unconstitutional

Key takeawaysSB 256, which removed the ability for automatic payroll deduction for union fees, was ruled unconstitutional and in violation of the federal government's contracts clause.This ruling reaffirms that collective…

Read more about U.S. District Judge Rules Part of Florida’s 2023 Union Busting Bill Unconstitutional

Students Win with Pro-Public Education Measures Passed Across State

Key takeawaysVoters overwhelmingly passed funding referenda, elected pro-education school board candidates and rejected Amendment 1 during this general election.Across party lines and demographics, voters supported public education and students.FEA remains…

Read more about Students Win with Pro-Public Education Measures Passed Across State

Students Win as Voters Show Support for Neighborhood Public Schools; Push Back on DeSantis Agenda 

Voters throughout Florida showed their support for students and educators in public schools during Tuesday's primary, with school board candidates endorsed by the Florida Education Association and its local unions…

Read more about Students Win as Voters Show Support for Neighborhood Public Schools; Push Back on DeSantis Agenda 

SAT Scores and the Impact of Underfunding Public Education

The recent release of SAT scores shines a much-needed light on how Florida’s attacks on teachers are felt by Florida’s children. In the past seven years, Florida’s average SAT score…

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Member Profile: Ruby Encarnacion, Volusia United Educators

#thankaneducator: Help us thank an educator like Ruby Encarnacion today! Ruby Encarnacion faced struggles as an educator with disabilities. With the help of her union, she is…

Read more about Member Profile: Ruby Encarnacion, Volusia United Educators

Member Spotlight: Carla Cundiff, Indian River County Education Association

In serving on IRCEA’s executive board, Cundiff carries on a family legacy. Her mother was a founding member of IRCEA in the 1970s. Cundiff maintains a large, diverse classroom library.…

Read more about Member Spotlight: Carla Cundiff, Indian River County Education Association