Desmond Lee on optimal class sizes in schools

The Ministry of Education’s approach to class sizes is guided by students’ learning needs, with more teaching resources deployed for those with greater needs and smaller class sizes for such students who require more support. Education Minister Desmond Lee said this in parliament on Tuesday (Feb 3) in reply to an MP’s question on his ministry’s approach to optimal class sizes, in view of the growing complexity teachers face in their roles. Mr Lee said schools may deploy two form teachers for classes where needed and where resources allow. They also have counsellors to address students’ social and emotional welfare, as well as special education needs officers to provide learning and behavioural support.