Are smaller size class affordable?
I refer to the article “Reducing class size is good, but mind the costs” (Straits Times, Oct 24).
It states that “Even though reducing class size may improve student learning, it does not mean that Singapore should necessarily go ahead with it. Reducing class size comes at a substantial cost. More teachers need to be hired. And if schools are already functioning at full capacity, more classrooms need to be built.
It is important to ask if the projected benefits of reducing class size outweigh the costs. The answer depends on the current situation facing schools”
In this connection, according to the article “Singapore Budget 2018: Spending needs to grow in healthcare, infrastructure, security and education” (Business Times, Feb 19) – “SINGAPORE will put aside some S$10.2 billion for healthcare expenditure, S$20 billion for infrastructure and S$12.8 billion for education this year, Finance Minister Heng Swee Keat said on Monday.”
So, we expect to spend $12.8 billion on education this year, but the overall Budget surplus was $9.6, $6.12 and -$4.88 billion (deficit), for the last three years, respectively.
Moreover, we had about $30 and $190 billion of reported Budget surpluses and Cash Budget surpluses, in the last decade or so.
Leong Sze Hian