YES - RONNIE SMITH, general secretary, Educational Institute ofScotland
We wish to ensure every pupil can benefit from an education appropriateto their needs. Class sizes need to take account of the particular needsof pupils. That is why we argue for a limit of 10 pupils in anyadditional support needs units designated for non-English-speakingchildren. Likewise, in mainstream classes, meaningful access to thecurriculum is more difficult where teachers are trying to support largenumbers of young people with divergent language skills and needs.
NO - JIM O'NEILL, professional officer Scotland, ProfessionalAssociation of Teachers
It is my personal belief that placing an artificial ceiling on thenumber in any class whose mother tongue is not English can bedetrimental to the all round education and development of that cohort ofchildren. Without the necessary increased back-up and resources, itbecomes more difficult to achieve the same high standards for everyone;but the compensation can be the opportunities for sharing culture andlanguage.
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