This review surveys the current literature dealing with the effect of class size on both school finance and educational quality. The literature cited reflects a general agreement on the telling impact of class size on school budgets. However, the material gives little evidence of uniform agreement on the effect of class size on educational…

This is a report of a study designed to discover the nature of interactions between teachers and students in regular-size classes (25 or more students) and small-size classes (fewer than 18 students). It also describes the efforts of one public school to maintain smaller classes. A review of the literature and observations of 11 primary classrooms…

The purpose of this paper was to share findings from an earlier study and to provide a framework for administrators to use in the implementation of class-size reduction (CSR) in their buildings. The study examined actual and average class size (CS), pupil-teacher ratios (PTR), and their differences. A primary goal was to clarify the ramifications…

This literature review focuses on the effects of class size on styles of teaching practice, and on pupil behavior and attainment. Most of the literature is from the United States. Evidence from previous reviews, correlational studies, meta-analyses, and experimental interventions are presented in this document. Much of the existing evidence is at…

This paper seeks to answer the question, "What is the relationship between student achievement and four variables often cited as solutions?" The selected variables are: (1) per-pupil expenditure; (2) class size; (3) teacher advanced training; and (4) teacher experience. Because supporters promote initiatives focusing on these variables,…

Research on the relationship of class size to academic achievement is being used by administrators, parents, teachers, and politicians. Unfortunately, many questions are being raised on the methodology, results, and conclusions of the research studies. (FG)

Tennessee's four-year Project STAR provided one-third class size reduction in early elementary school. Small class students in all types of schools scored significantly higher than regular class students in reading and math. The article discusses lessons learned and cost-effective ways to reduce class size. (SM)

Researchers followed up on fourth graders from Project STAR, a reduced class size experiment. Using norm and criterion-referenced achievement tests and teacher ratings of student effort, initiative, and behavior, they found significant small class carry-over effects on every achievement measure and significant participation differences in small…

Examines the origins of Tennessee's Project Student/Teacher Achievement Ratio (STAR) and explores what it was about Tennessee in the mid-1980s that fostered the development of this experimental approach to class size. Highlights the connection between the research world and the political world that resulted in the STAR project. (SLD)

Estimates the operational costs of nationwide class-size-reduction programs under various policy alternatives, including the specified class size, flexibility in implementation, and whether the policy is targeted toward at-risk students. Depending on the options, estimated costs range from about $2 billion per year to over $11 billion per year.…

Estimated the impact of class size on instructional practices and the use of time in high school mathematics and science courses using data from the National Education Longitudinal Study. Findings reveal that class size has an impact on the use of class time, both instructional and noninstructional. (SLD)

Investigates differences in student perceptions and performance among three distance learning sites taking the same off-campus M.B.A. course with the same instructor. Performance in the two smaller classes was better than performance in the large class. Student characteristics and site variables accounted for more than 50% of variance in…

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…

"Straight A's: Public Education Policy and Progress" is a biweekly newsletter that focuses on education news and events both in Washington, DC and around the country. The following articles are included in this issue: (1) "The Costs and Benefits of an Excellent Education": U.S. Could Net $45 Billion Annually if One Year's Worth…

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…