AUSTIN (AP) - Among proposed solutions to the state's massive
budget deficit is changing a Texas law that holds most elementary
school classes to no more than 22 students.

Legislative leaders and Comptroller Susan Combs say easing the
requirement would save hundreds of millions of dollars and give
school districts more flexibility in educating students.
 

But The Dallas Morning News reports that teachers groups, backed
by Democrats in the House and Senate, say any change will reverse
academic gains in elementary schools and force the elimination of
as many as 12,000 teaching jobs.

Combs, a Republican, renewed attention on the issue recently
after recommending that lawmakers scrap the 22-student limit in
kindergarten through fourth grade, switching to an average
class-size standard of 22. The class-size requirement has been on
the books since 1984.