Understanding the effects of class size reduction (CSR) has been an enduring issue in education. For the past 3 decades, Project STAR has stimulated research and policy discussions regarding the effects of CSR on a variety of outcomes. Schanzenbach (2007) reviewed STAR studies and concluded that small classes improved student academic outcomes.…

Class size is one of the small number of variables in American K-12 education that are both thought to influence student learning and are subject to legislative action. Legislative mandates on maximum class size have been very popular at the state level. In recent decades, at least 24 states have mandated or incentivized class-size reduction…

Interest in class size is widespread today. Debates often take place about "ideal" class size. Controversial efforts to reduce class size have appeared at both the federal level and in various states around the nation. This paper reviews research on class size and discusses findings, how these findings can be explained, and policy implications.…

Although class size reductions are often proposed as a way to improve student learning, research does not indicate that smaller classes will necessarily produce improved student achievement. Class size effects on student learning vary by grade, pupil characteristics, subject area, teaching method, and other learning interventions. References…

Conclusive research has shown the benefits of small class size (1:15), especially for primary grades. Large-scale projects in Indiana and Tennessee and numerous smaller studies found that youngsters in small classes obtain higher test scores, participate more eagerly, demonstrate improved behavior, and retain these benefits in later schooling…

Finding an unequivocable answer to the class size issue is vitally important to the future of American public education. Sorting out conflicting viewpoints and determining supportable conclusions are this report's primary purpose. Three factors--research motivation, the effects of confounding variables, and problems related to distinguishing…

This paper discusses research studies concerning class size and its relation to academic achievement. It also explores whether educational benefits of smaller classes justify the additional cost and whether an optimum class size exists that maximizes educational benefits and cost effectiveness. Following a review of the literature, the paper…

Class size is a continuing concern for administrators and teachers in the Mesa Public School system. Research examined findings that reductions in class size can increase student achievement as measured by common standardized tests, but only if size is reduced to something below 20 students per class. Class size also produced changes in…

For years the issue of class size has been the subject of hundreds of educational research studies. The effects of class size on student achievement, student and teacher attitudes, instructional setting, and total classroom environment have been examined and re-examined. In general, the findings of these studies have been inconclusive, though for…

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)

Literature on the relation between class size and student achievement is reviewed, and policy alternatives are suggested. Class size reduction strategies, focusing on individual or small group tutoring, are proposed for primary and secondary instruction. Implementing these strategies requires ambitious staff development programs. (SLD)

There is a strong relationship between students' socioeconomic status and their levels of academic achievement. Although educators should be held accountable for improving the performance of all students, including those living in poverty, schools alone can't eliminate the negative factors associated with poverty that lead to a large achievement…

The headline was dramatic enough to cause a ripple in the reading public. "Students who use computers a lot at school have worse maths and reading performance," noted the BBC news article, citing a 2004 study by Ludger Woessmann and Thomas Fuchs (Fuchs and Woessman, 2004). It was not long before the blogosphere took notice. Taking the…

"Smaller is better" is often the mantra of school leaders with regard to class size, while the benefits of smaller schools are ignored. Benefits of small classes seem obvious--teachers with fewer students could devote more time to each student. Conducted in 1985-89, Tennessee's Project STAR (Student/Teacher Achievement Ratio) found that…

A review of the literature on compensatory education programs was conducted to determine the effects of their following design features: (1) instructional setting; (2) class size; (3) ability grouping; and (4) various types of instructors. Remedial instruction in reading, language arts, and mathematics for elementary school students was…