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Index: Education / Subcategory: K-12

Pupil/Teacher Ratio

Date posted: 08/06/2009

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The Colorado Department of Education (CDE) defines the Pupil/Teacher Ratio as the number of pupils in membership as of October 1 of a given school year, divided by the total number of full time equivalency (FTE) teaching assignments. The state considers a "full time assignment' to be working over 85% of a given school district's definition of full time. All time equivalencies (full time, half time, etc.) reported to the state are combined to establish the FTE (e.g.; one full time teacher plus two half-time teachers equals two full time teachers). Within this page, only state calculations have been used.

What this chart shows: Pupil/Teacher Ratios in Larimer County School Districts, 2000-01 to 2008-09

Pupil/Teacher Ratios in Larimer County School Districts, 2000-01 to 2008-09

Data Source: Colorado Department of Education

See data table

What these data tell us:

 From 2000-01 to 2008-09, pupil/teacher ratios decreased in all three districts, meaning there were fewer pupils per teacher. Poudre School District's ratio decreased the most by 8%, followed by Thompson School District at 6.3%. Park School District's student/teacher ratio decreased the least by .7%. Park has also consistently maintained the lowest ratios in the county.

There was an increase in the ratios between 2004-05 and 2005-06 in all districts for several reasons. Park consolidated its K-5 and Intermediate schools, reducing the positions needed for art and music. The retirement of a number of teachers, and an earlier mill levy override failure in the Thompson School District were also contributing factors. In 2007-08, Thompson School District began a two-year pilot program that established an 11 FTE minimum for elementary schools, which was responsible for the drop in the pupil/teacher ratio.

Some Larimer County School Districts calculate pupil teacher ratios differently than the State. For an explanation of the difference, see Additional Information.

*A mill levy override is a process used by a taxing authority (school district, fire district, etc.) that allows that authority to increase their mill levy (set annual property tax rate) for a limited or unlimited number of years. Any proposed increase in a mill levy must be passed by the electorate.

Additional Information:

 As stated above, the state calculates pupil/teacher ratios by combining the total number of licensed teachers in a school or district to arrive at a total full time "equivalency". Teachers, assistant teachers and teacher's aides have identifying codes associated with their positions. Only the codes for licensed teachers are used in the state calculation.

Some Larimer County school districts, however, calculate ratios differently for their own use and information. Calculating by classroom rather than using an overall district average produces both higher and lower ratios. For example, a core class such as algebra may have an actual ratio of 24 pupils to one teacher. An elective class such as art may have a ratio of 10 to one. This way of accounting provides a truer picture of actual ratios per class, but also requires much more data gathering. Dividing total enrollment by total number of teachers (as the State does) may not yield such close detail, but does provide an alternative means of assessing the potential for contact between pupils and teachers. For information regarding each Larimer County school district, go to their websites listed under 'Outside Compass.'

Each school district defines "full time equivalency" (FTE) differently. For the 2008-09 school year, Park School District defined full time as 180 days at eight hours per day. Poudre School District's definition was186 days at forty hours per week and Thompson School District's was 185 days at forty hours per week. These definitions are determined annually. Return to top

On Compass -

Outside Compass -

Standards or Targets:

There are no set standards for student/teacher ratios in Colorado. According to the State, concern regarding ratios is only generated when they are either very low or very high. However, a major goal of educational reform was to reduce class sizes in kindergarten through third grade. The National Education Association has suggested that 15 should be the maximum number of pupils per class in those grades. Small class sizes in the early grades are thought to enhance chances for student learning.

Data Table:

Pupil/Teacher Ratios in Larimer County School Districts

Year

Park

Poudre

Thompson

2000-01

14.3

19.0

18.5

2001-02

14.4

17.5

17.8

2002-03

15.7

17.1

17.8

2003-04

14.3

17.6

17.6

2004-05

13.3

16.9

18.2

2005-06

15.1

17.0

18.6

2006-07

15.6

17.5

18.8

2007-08

14.2

17.4

17.6

2008-09

14.0

17.3

17.4

See chart