The effects of class size on student achievement in science were studied using grade 8 science achievement mean scale scores for 138 Tennessee public school districts, focusing on the total population of districts and on districts in the upper and lower quartile of science performance (n=52). The dependent variable was district aggregate science…

Each local school district must decide for itself the class size which best permits attainment of the District's goals and objectives in educating all its students. (Author/JN)

Gives reasons for opposing kindergarten teachers, teaching double sessions because of resulting problems relating to close scheduling, lack of space, lack of time for parent conferences and, inability of teachers to adequately respond to individual children's needs. (DR)

Discussion of the following commonly accepted myths: 1) man is a rational being, 2) standards must be maintained, 3) a lot of work is better than a little, 4) basic skills must be given priority in a curriculum, 5) small classes are better than large classes, 6) reading ability is related to intelligence. (Author)

Discusses journalism educators' attitudes toward teaching large classes and examines the various ways they deal with such classes. (FL)

Results of 59 studies of this relationship were integrated. Analysis revealed a substantial relationship between class size and teacher and pupil attitudes, as well as instruction. The results complement those of a previous meta-analysis that showed positive effects of class size on achievement. (Author/GK)

The decline in students' writing skills is chronic rather than acute and is due to several factors: (1) little training is done in the teaching of writing; (2) little work in writing is done in the classroom due to class size; and (3) students often have no models to emulate. (MB)

Explores whether class size affects achievement in introductory college economics, using the 1988-89 Test of Understanding in College Economics database (TUCE III). Results indicate that neither class size nor certain controlled class characteristics affect student achievement. Results are markedly robust, when using SAT scores to control for…

Results of California study that indicate, among other things, that hiring more administrators raises verbal SAT scores and lowers dropout rates. Findings also suggest that reducing class size and hiring more teachers but fewer administrators may not raise student test scores--at least in California. (PKP)

Discusses the financial risks of pursuing class-size reduction, especially as states are struggling to maintain spending levels, and the evidence concerning its benefits. (EV)

Argues that declines in the relative quality of teachers, reductions in class size, and growth in per-pupil spending can all be traced to one source-growing demand for skilled workers outside education. (Author/PKP)

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…

A survey of 141 elementary and 79 secondary teachers of students with mild handicaps found that the average student-teacher ratio was 4.7:1, with a range of 1:1 to 15:1. Minor differences were found as a function of the students' categorical designations and elementary versus secondary level. (Author/JDD)

Charts and graphs display research findings on the vocational teacher's job in such areas as hours spent on teaching and ancillary duties, class size, special needs students, basic skills proficiency, inservice training, classroom observation, and status of equipment and materials. (SK)

A personalized education, according to Ted Sizer, means that students are known by adult professionals in the school. Administrators at a California high school with 2,000 students and very large classes initiated an adopt-a-kid program by matching adult volunteers on campus with low-achieving students. This program, along with a successful block…