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Tyler ISD trustees debate class-size exceptions and effective use of paraprofessionals
Summary
Trustees discussed local management of class-size exceptions under the district of innovation, use and reported mixed evidence for classroom aides to move academic outcomes, and asked staff to explore targeted staffing models (apprenticeships, coaching) and better principal guidance on deploying paraprofessionals.
Deputy Superintendent Lance Gropel presented the semester class-size report and reminded the board that Tyler ISD’s District of Innovation (DOI) status allows the district to manage kindergarten-through-fourth-grade class-size exceptions locally rather than seek a state waiver. He said district enrollment was up about 100 students compared with the same time last year and that some classrooms are above the 22:1 ratio for K–4.
Trustees questioned whether providing a paraprofessional automatically improves student outcomes for classrooms over 22 students. One trustee observed that past efforts to add…
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