This paper addresses four questions: What are the effects of reducing class size? How important are these effects? How can we explain these effects? and How can we improve the outcomes when class sizes are reduced? A major aim is to provide directions for resolving the paradox as to "Why reducing class size has not led to major improvements in…

A summer academy for high school students was developed--With a two week session and small class sizes, the academy provided an environment for teachers to address standards while promoting lasting change in students approach to their education. An effort to engage parents with the book "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens" is sought so they…

Much of the economic education literature suggests that the principles of economics class size does not significantly affect student performance. However, study methods have varied in terms of the aggregation level (student or class), the measure of performance (TUCE or course letter grade), and the class size measure (e.g., students who completed…

Develops a political economy framework for mapping and interpreting the competing purposes of schooling by examining five paradoxes in national policy debates addressing class size in public elementary schools. The framework highlights answers to the question: What kind of an economic good is education? (education as a service industry, producer…

This booklet summarizes research on best practices for implementing successful small learning communities and career academies. When well implemented, improvements in instructional and personalization strategies in combination with structural supports have demonstrated improved student attendance and learning. "From High School to Learning…

The education reform movement has fostered renewed interest in class size. Tennessee and Indiana experiments with smaller class size in primary grades have yielded improved student behavior and achievement scores. Tennessee's new Student-Teacher Achievement Ratio Project (STAR) is a longitudinal study furthering research on small class benefits.…

Interest in class size is widespread today. Debates often take place about "ideal" class size. Controversial efforts to reduce class size have appeared at both the federal level and in various states around the nation. This paper reviews research on class size and discusses findings, how these findings can be explained, and policy implications.…

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)

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…

The Lasting Benefits Study is following up the effects of small class size on the achievement of elementary school students in Tennessee's Student/Teacher Achievement Ratio Project (Project STAR). Results show improved achievement for participants in small classes up through grade 3 that last at least through grades 4 and 5. (SLD)

Alan Krueger's reanalyses of Eric Hanushek's school-productivity data show that Hanushek's "money doesn't matter" conclusions (influential in several states' education-finance hearings) have no factual basis. Hanushek excluded Tennessee's student/teacher ratio study (Project STAR). Also, class size is influencing students' success in…

This article focuses on the need of meaningful experiences to children's individual differences. The degree to which one can tailor experiences to each child's unique qualities increases the likelihood that the child will grow up physically, intellectually, and emotionally healthy and thus able to meet the expectations of family and society. This…

Preschool for All (PFA) is a part-day (2.5 hours for up to five days a week) early childhood education program for 3- and 4-year-olds in Illinois. The program is voluntary to families and is designed to be a high-quality preschool option for all children--especially those at risk of academic failure. PFA was implemented in 2006 and is free to…

Research and common sense suggest that smaller classes offer teachers the chance to devote more time to each student, thus improving student learning. To explore the efficacy of improved teacher-student ratios, an overview of research on class sizes is offered in this report. An analysis of findings from initiatives in various states provides…

Professional concern about the possible injurious effects of large classes and personal interest in various cognitive style variables led to this particular research at West Valley College (California). The belief persists among teachers, in spite of objective research, that small classes are better. Here, it was hypothesized that (1) class size…