Photos: Budget cuts hit some classrooms harder than others

The effect of budget cuts varies across the state and even within some districts, but schools like Fairfax High are struggling to cope. With eight fewer teachers this year, Fairfax is now putting up to 42 students in junior and senior English classes and almost all math classes. Other subjects — social studies, science, the arts — are averaging 47 students per class.  (Don Bartletti / Los Angeles Times)

Two Fairfax High sophomores take seats on a file cabinet in an English class crammed with 42 students. Research is mixed about whether smaller classes translate to academic gains overall, but it does point to a boost for disadvantaged students.  (Don Bartletti / Los Angeles Times)

Zurich Matias, a junior at Fairfax High, leans on a file cabinet in the corner of his World History classroom. He’s one of 48 students in this class.  (Don Bartletti / Los Angeles Times)

Four students share desk space in a World History class. Fairfax High has seen vast improvements in recent years, its API score skyrocketing 86 points in the last three years. Some teachers fear that progress will be lost as bigger classes make it harder to assist individual students.  (Don Bartletti / Los Angeles Times)

A junior spends the entire World History class on the floor. Students say it’s harder to hear teachers and more difficult to focus on their work in larger classes.  (Don Bartletti / Los Angeles Times)