This article is condensed from the topical kit, "NEA Focus: Class Size--A Critical Factor in Quality Education." It cites research on the effects of class size on classroom environment, pupil attitudes, and teacher morale. It also discusses the politics of class size and the advantages of small classes. (SJL)

Intuitively, class size reduction is a good idea. Parents support it because it means that their children will receive more individual attention from teachers. Teachers like it for the same reason and also because it creates a more manageable workload. It is generally assumed that the fewer students in a class, the better they will learn and the…

This report provides an in-depth review of school reform research that presents evidence of college preparation for all students. It examines the predictors of college-going behavior and how they have been addressed within the high school reform movement. The report then draws out the promising practices from existing reform initiatives and makes…