Bottleneck Solution #1

Para leer la versión en español, haz clic aqui.

To review, here is what classes would look like in 2016-2017, assuming that no one leaves during the summer and the attrition rate is 0%.  

	6th graders	5th graders	4th graders	3rd graders	Class Size
5/6 combo	28	5			33
5th		33			33
4/5 combo		3	30		33
3/4 combo			14	10	24
3rd				24	24
2/3 combo???				11	???
Total	28	41	44	45	147

As you can see, the bottleneck forces combination classes throughout the program. Without raising class sizes in grades K-3 above 24 students, there would not be enough spaces for the students currently in the program.  

Even when you adjust the table for students that leave the program (families moving outside of the district or choosing charter schools), a minimum of 14 students would have to leave in order to relieve the pressure. Class sizes would STILL be at the absolute maximum of 33 students in grades 4-6.  The program is literally busting at the seams.

One solution is to add an FTE (Full Time Employee, meaning a teacher) to relieve the pressure building up in the bottleneck. There would still be a combination class, but only one. Here is what classes would look like:

2016-2017	6th graders	5th graders	4th graders	Class Size
6th	28			28
5th		28		28
4/5 combo		13	13	26
4th			31	31
Total	28	41	44	113

Class sizes are smaller, but not too small. If necessary, other Spanish-speaking students could be recruited to enter the program in order to boost class sizes.

What is the disadvantage to this solution? There is still a combination class, but students would not have to experience CONSECUTIVE COMBINATION CLASSES as they do now. There is obviously an additional financial expense with the additional teacher. 

Are there other solutions? Always! Click here to see Bottleneck Solution #2.