This book contains vignettes and observations provided by teachers who conduct small classes in primary grades. Designed for school leaders, teachers, administrators, students, and others who care about the future of education, the text presents findings from the Student Teacher Achievement Ratio (STAR), the DuPont Study, and the Lasting Benefits…

In 1989, the Nevada Legislature enacted the Class-Size Reduction (CSR) Act. The measure was designed to reduce the pupil-teacher ratio in the public schools, particularly in the earliest grades. The program was scheduled to proceed in several phases. The first step reduced the student-teacher ratio in selected kindergartens and first grade classes…

Small classes in the elementary grades have been shown to boost students' academic performance. However, researchers continue to seek a consistent, integrated explanation of "why" small classes have positive effects. This article forwards the hypothesis that when class sizes are reduced, major changes occur in students' engagement in the…