As a long time Special Education  teacher I would like to encourage you NOT to negate the "Peoples Choice" of lower class size for the primary grades.

I have 'watched' as the government of Florida has disregarded developmentally appropriate curriculum and forced academics on minds that are not ready. 

As you don't recognize because you are NOT in the classroom, these demands are producing frustrated young children with severe behavior problems.  These problems are produced by inappropriate academic demands, too many children in classrooms and families who do not care to be involved with their children's education.  This is damaging children and valuable educational time. 

Many of these families have let you know that they feel smaller class sizes are their choice, voice and the ONE thing they can do.  They have become involved.  I encourage you to listen to them and FIND the funding.

We (teachers) have been asked to wear too many hats when it involves our most precious commodities.  We love our school families and continue to strive for the best in and for them.  Let us do what we KNOW best.  We can do this, and help children with severe behavior problems in the classroom when the class sizes are small.  All children will benefit now and later in their educational experiences.

Our profession is suffering and not adding to it's numbers because of the unrealistic requirements of our government.  Please let educators know you value and support their important profession as do Florida's voters.

Thank you for your time,

Sharon Doherty
Orange County Public Schools