SAGE Expansion in Jeopardy

Budget slights class size reduction program

A state program that has helped improve the academic performance of low-income children is in danger of losing needed funding.

The governor's proposed state budget reneges on earlier commitments to expand the highly successful Student Achievement Guarantee in Education (SAGE) Program and instead freezes funding at current levels.

"In less than a year of operation, SAGE has reduced class size and improved student achievement in participating schools," said WEAC President Terry Craney.

The SAGE program provides funding for schools in low-income areas to reduce class size in the primary grades. It is currently operating in kindergarten and 1st grade classes in 30 schools in 21 districts. The state budget adopted two years ago anticipated expanding the program to the 2nd and 3rd grades next year.

"The governor is now breaking a promise and freezing funding at this year's level, meaning schools will either have to pay the cost of expanding the program themselves, or drop out of the program," Craney said. "Research has conclusively shown that smaller class sizes improve student achievement in the primary grades. The SAGE program is a beginning step toward helping our most needy children."

Craney said the state and participating school districts have already signed five-year contracts to expand the SAGE program to the 2nd and 3rd grades.

Craney called on members to contact their legislators and urge them to support full funding of the SAGE program.

"The administration is reneging on a promise and denying critical learning opportunities to some of the state's most vulnerable children in order to save a relatively small amount of money," Craney said. "We find that unconscionable."

Posted April 28, 1997