In attempt to lower class sizes at schools in Washington state, foreign language teachers Jon Magnus, Kris Cameron and Rachael Simmons have been working in the school and throughout to community to collect 350,000 voter signatures to send Initiative 1351 to the Nov. 4 ballot.

The Legislature has failed to make progress toward reducing class sizes, and Washington state is currently ranked 47 out of 50 states on class size, according to the Political Action Headquarters for Washington Educators Association’s website.

If passed, the initiative will also do much more for schools, including providing additional funding for librarians, counselors, nurses, teaching assistants, family engagement, and student safety staff. I-1351 will prioritize funding for schools and school districts with the highest level poverty.

Magnus hopes to see this initiative placed on the ballot based on personal experience on struggles with teaching large classes.

Magnus teaches second-year French students, along with more advanced classes. His upper level classes ranged from 22-25 students, whereas second-year French classes have up to 32 students. According to Magnus, in his largest class, the students fill all seats in the room, including all desks, plus two students sitting on a couch.

“The difference between the time I can spend with students is unbelievable. One-on-one interaction is huge, especially when teaching a foreign language. The bigger the class is the harder it is for students to receive that,” he said.

Right now, teachers advocating this initiative are focused on getting voter signatures by talking to friends and going out into the community. Any registered voters interested in seeing this initiative on the ballot are encouraged to see any of the teachers involved to give their signature.

“The passing of this initiative is better for students, it’s better for teachers, and it’s better for learning in general for us to have smaller classes,” Magnus said.