Classroom Set-Up and Configuration |
|
Class Size Restrictions |
As per DoE reopening schools' guidance, six (6) feet or greater distance is to be maintained between individuals. The same guidance allows individuals with face coverings to be separated by as little as three (3) feet for social distancing between desks. Out of an abundance of caution, and based on CDC recommendations, the Brandywine School District will require six (6) feet of distance between student desks.
The square footage of classrooms vary across buildings. The diagrams below are based on the actual square footage of a 4th grade classroom at Mt. Pleasant Elementary School. While a student per square footage ratio can be determined, there are also physical features of classrooms that must be factored in such as structural columns, built-in cabinetry, student cubbies (lockers), etc. |
Impact of Class Size Restrictions on Staffing |
As illustrated in the diagrams above, the class size restrictions for social distancing dramatically reduce the number of students assigned to a classroom. Typically, class sizes for 4th Grade classrooms range on average between 24 and 28 students per class. If all 28 students in the first illustration above desired to have full in-person instruction, it would require two additional teachers for just this one class. Sticking with the specific example of using MPE's current 4th Grade student population, there are four 4th Grade teachers and currently 90 students enrolled. All four 4th Grade Classrooms are generally the same size in terms of square footage.
|