Smaller Class Sizes for Students and Educators Act of 2026

Reduced Class Sizes for Young Students: Section 3(a)(1) and Section 3(d)(2)(A) provide grants to local educational agencies to lower class sizes to not more than 18 students per class in early elementary grades (kindergarten through grade 3) at targeted schools, which can lead to more individualized attention for students.

Teacher Recruitment and Training: Section 3(d)(2)(A)(i) and Section 3(d)(2)(A)(iii) allow funds to be used for recruiting, hiring, and supporting fully certified and qualified teachers, including special education teachers, and providing professional development for early elementary teachers, which benefits both educators and students.

Priority for High-Poverty Areas: Section 3(c) and Section 3(d)(2)(B) require the Secretary to give priority to local educational agencies serving the greatest number or percentage of students from families with incomes at or below the poverty line, directing resources where they may be needed most.

Caps on Facility Renovations and Professional Development: Section 3(d)(2)(A)(ii) and Section 3(d)(2)(A)(iii) restrict the use of grant funds so that not more than 15 percent may be used for obtaining additional space or renovating school buildings, and not more than 15 percent may be used for professional development, which could limit a school's flexibility if they have greater needs in these specific areas.

Administrative Burdens and Reporting Requirements: Section 3(e)(1) requires local educational agencies to prepare and submit annual reports on their activities and progress, which creates additional administrative work for school personnel who are already busy managing classrooms.