State Senate considers pilot program for smaller class size grants

LANSING — The Michigan Senate is considering a plan to establish grants for school districts looking to reduce their class sizes.

Supporters of the proposal say that students are in need of more individualized instruction, especially in undeserved communities.

The proposals — SB 493 and SB 494 — would require a school district to maintain an average class size of 17 students or fewer, with a maximum class size of 19 students.

The bills would establish a $65 million pilot program that supporters say would help schools afford more educators and retain teachers they already have.

“Deep, sustained investments in public schools have long, lasting impacts,” said Joshua Cowen, an education policy professor at Michigan State University. “So on this particular investment, lowering class siz