Small classes in grades K-3 boost student academic performance in all subjects and in prosocial behavior. Results are both short- and long-term. One study explored the theory that a major cause behind improved academic achievement involves improved student behavior, which increases student engagement in the classroom. Two other studies provide…

Discusses Project STAR, a four-year study of class size reduction on student achievement in the early elementary grades. The paper reviews research on class size, puts Project STAR in context, describes its design and introduces several articles noting research implications for policy debate about class size. (SM)

Four initiatives to reduce class size are before the California State Legislature--SB 1414, AB 2449, the Governor's proposal, and AB 2821. Three of them were influenced by the findings reported by Tennessee's Project Student Teacher Achievement Ratio (STAR). Project STAR is a longitudinal demonstration project that since 1985 has examined the…

Exploring the class-size issue, this paper focuses on the primary grades and asks questions such as "does a reduction in class size promote an increase in academic achievement?" and "how substantial does the reduction in numbers have to be in order for a significant increase to occur?" The paper surveys debates on class size…

Reports that the debate over class size in schools has become more heated in recent years. Examines recent research and attempts to answer three questions regarding class size and academic achievement. Concludes that there is a link between the 2, but only in the early years and only with classes smaller than 20 students. (CFR)

Most teachers and the public believe that children in kindergarten and the primary grades benefit from small classes because of children's need for individualized instruction and teacher attention. This report, part of a comprehensive policy study of early childhood education, presents a review of the research on the effect of class size on…