Lower class sizes for Queensland schools

Eligibility - Queensland residents
Principal Petitioner:
M Richards
35 Stewart Street
MARSDEN QLD 4132
Total Signatures - 335
Sponsoring Member: S Copeland MP
Posting Date: 28/5/2003
Closing Date: 31/7/2003
Tabled Date: 19/8/2003
Responded By: Responded Minister on 16/10/2003
TO: The Honourable the Speaker and Members of the Legislative Assembly of Queensland
The petition of Queensland residents draws to the attention of the House at least 2,500 Queensland classrooms remain overcrowded despite repeated and ongoing lobbying from parents and teachers; that the current acceptable numbers for class sizes are based on a 1979 report despite several reports since outlining the benefits of lower class sizes; that the Government is failing to maintain adequate staffing levels and resources to assist with Behaviour Management Programmes; that the Governments continual refusal to deal with the above issues shows a total disregard for the best interests of our state schools, students and teachers. Your petitioners therefore request the House to take seriously the issues put forward by Queensland teachers and parents, by reducing the current acceptable numbers for class sizes and undertaking to ensure the very best and safest education is available so as to enable our children to reach their full potential.