The effects of class size on academic achievement have been studied for decades. Although the results of small-scale, randomized experiments and large-scale, econometric studies point to positive effects of small classes, some scholars see the evidence as ambiguous. Recent analyses from a 4-year, large-scale, randomized experiment on the effects…

This analysis outlines the generally inconclusive nature of class size research. In the area of achievement as it relates to class size, the research is demonstrated to be especially inconclusive. In addition to analyzing the problems and weaknesses of class size research, this paper summarizes the effects of class size on the educational process…

This report analyzes current public education policies, procedures, and practices that compound racial inequities by profiling students of color. Such practices divert resources away from proven solutions that advance academic excellence. Bias in high-stakes testing serves to increase student achievement gaps. Zero-tolerance and maximum-security…

A class size reduction (CSR) program was implemented in a large low-performing urban elementary school district. The CSR program helps schools improve student learning by hiring additional teachers so that children in the early elementary grades can attend smaller classes. This study used a participant-oriented evaluation model to examine the…

Henrico County (Virginia) Public Schools' alternative programs are becoming lifelines for troubled and/or underachieving students at all grade levels. Each program is well structured; stresses high behavior, achievement, and attendance standards; and has small classes, a caring ambience, supportive parents, and clear, consistent expectations for…

In "Failure to Connect" (1998), Jane Healy examined pros and cons of computer use, warning that good teachers, small classes, and challenging curricula trump high-tech products. Computers can impede youngsters' development. Computers enhance learning only if teachers comprehend them, use appropriate applications, and define learning…

In this article, the author discusses a school improvement model, First Things First, developed by James P. Connell, a former tenured professor of psychology at the University of Rochester in New York. The model has three pillars for the high school level: (1) small, themed learning communities that each keep a group of students together…

This report summarizes the 2005-2006 program evaluation results of AISD's federally-funded smaller learning communities grant program.

MORE EFFECTIVE SCHOOLS, A NEW YORK CITY SPECIAL SCHOOL PROGRAM, IS CRITICALLY EVALUATED HERE. THE PROGRAM, INITIATED BY THE UNITED FEDERATION OF TEACHERS (UFT), AND DEVELOPED BY THE BOARD OF EDUCATION, THE COUNCIL OF SUPERVISORY ASSOCIATIONS, AND THE UFT, EMPHASIZES THE IMPORTANCE OF A GUIDANCE APPROACH IN TEACHING GHETTO CHILDREN. THE CLASSES IN…

SIXTEEN PROGRAMS CONDUCTED IN THE FIRST YEAR OF A 5 YEAR PROJECT INCLUDED CITY, VILLAGE, SUBURBAN, AND RURAL SCHOOLS FROM THE ELEMENTARY THROUGH SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL LEVEL. THE STUDENTS IN DEMONSTRATION PROJECTS--WERE FROM DETERIORATING SLUM AREAS OF LARGE CITIES, WERE CHILDREN OF FAMILIES OF RECENT IN-MIGRANTS FROM THE SOUTH OR PUERTO RICO, WERE…

From 2,000 to 3,000 ninth- and tenth-grade students in New York City, mostly black and Puerto Rican, were selected for an intensive educational program (small classes, double sessions of English, group and individual counseling, and cultural enrichment) with the hope that they would remain in the program throughout high school and then pursue…

This document includes summaries of the annual evaluations of the five major programs in St. Louis funded under Title I of the 1965 Elementary Secondary Education Act. The general purposes of the Reading Improvement Teams program were to improve the reading skills of the children with the greatest reading problems in the Title I schools and to…

Research findings identifying the most effective class size are found to be inconclusive. Some studies have found small classes more effective, others have favored large classes, and some have found no differences in learning effectiveness due to class size. A number of these studies are cited and points of agreement noted. In a second section…

This large-scale evaluation of Indiana's Prime Time, a funding mechanism designed to reduce class size or pupil-teacher ratio (PTR) in grades K-3 examined the academic performance of nearly 11,000 randomly selected third graders on the state mandated standardized achievement test as a function of class size, PTR, and presence of an instructional…

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)