A Texas elementary school is testing Edison's claim that a private company can manage a public school better and more profitably than a public school district working alone. Educators and parents already see improvements, but overenrollment has caused class size, scheduling, and computer shortage problems. Competition and payment problems could…

The article discusses the concept of whole-group instruction. After noting criticism of whole-group instruction, the paper examines research on the effects of class size and academic achievement, classroom tasks, altering instructional variables, and ability grouping. Fifteen practical suggestions for teaching whole groups are included. (SM)

According to Tennessee's 4-year study of class size, smaller classes (13 to 17 students) have an advantage over larger classes in reading and mathematics in the early primary grades. Another study showed that fourth graders previously enrolled in Project STAR classes out-performed non-STAR students. Benefits are greater when teachers possess…

Provides seven answers to the question: "What is the most persistent and troublesome problem you deal with in your English classroom?" Discusses student motivation, class size, critical thinking, self-esteem, and student interests. (PRA)

Discusses Project STAR, a four-year study of class size reduction on student achievement in the early elementary grades. The paper reviews research on class size, puts Project STAR in context, describes its design and introduces several articles noting research implications for policy debate about class size. (SM)

Richard Jaeger owes "Kappan" readers apology for violating ethics of his profession in deliberately propagating erroneous information. Jaeger rejects the positive correlation of large class size with high mathematics test scores in Korea and Taiwan and ignores Japan, another high-scoring nation with high class sizes. However, Jaeger…

Describes a method of encouraging student participation in large classes where students make brief notes of their participation to turn in at the end of class. Explains that credit is given for each acceptable item up to three a day. Suggests that this system encourages more participation by rewarding participation with higher grades. (DK)

Surveys 218 education majors concerning their preferences for specific classroom grouping configurations. Finds that students (1) prefer small classes and homogeneous grouping arrangements; (2) are most concerned about class size; and (3) express limited confidence in the areas of computer use and school policy formation, and in their ability to…

The place of group work in three possible language classroom contexts is considered. No definitive generalizations are drawn, but a few inferences are noted: good teachers vary in organization and teaching styles; learner preferences vary; and not enough is known about group work in large classes in "difficult circumstances." (Contains 14…

Beginning in 1991-92, a local school district undertook a concerted effort to reduce class size in grades 1 through 3 to 1:15, the Student/Teacher Achievement Ratio (STAR) Project. Achievement gains and research indicated that class size caused increased achievement and facilitated improved instruction. (SLD)

Using research to develop a solid educational foundation can accommodate diverse forces confronting educators, initiate systemic change, and help solve the pupil-teacher ratio (PTR)/class-size puzzle. Small K-3 classes are effective and can be efficient if changes are research-based and exploit class-size and PTR differences. (25 references) (MLH)

Examines the presumed cost/educational-quality relationship by studying expenditure patterns of high-, middle-, and low-expenditure districts in Pennsylvania over a 10-year period. Students in high-spending districts had sizeable advantages (smaller classes and administrative support) over those in the other spending groups. (18 references) (MLH)

Describes Tennessee's Student/Teacher Achievement Ratio (STAR) Project, a study of class size, and summarizes its findings with regard to academic achievement and behavior. Positive findings from STAR are providing impetus for class-size-reduction policies. Discusses some criticisms of STAR research and findings. (SLD)

Evaluated Wisconsin's Student Achievement Guarantee in Education (SAGE) program of class-size reduction through a quasi-experimental, comparative-change design. Results for 1996-97 and 1997-98 are consistent with the positive effects shown for Tennessee's Student/Teacher Achievement Ratio program (STAR). (SLD)

Tested whether variations in class size caused teachers to alter their teaching methods. Examination of 2,170 mathematics classes suggests that, when class size is reduced, teachers do not spend time on new material, nor do they finish more of the assigned textbook. Instead, they shift time to more individual instruction. (SLD)