Reduced class size can work

A new report from the Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center explores the connection between class size and student learning, distilling key principles, and comparing current class sizes in Massachusetts with optimum sizes identified by research, then estimating cost of bringing class sizes down in targeted districts. It notes that class-size reduction efforts have not always been well implemented; prominent successes and costly failures are both instructive. A review of class-size reduction efforts across the country prompts four policy recommendations. First, target early grades. Elementary class-size reductions are most effective kindergarten through 3rd grade. Second, target students with greatest need. All students benefit from smaller classes, but students of color and low-income students particularly benefit from well-designed class-size reductions. Third, employ strong teachers. Reducing class sizes involves hiring additional teachers, and it's critical they're highly qualified. When California implemented statewide class-size reductions, results fell short in part because of under-qualified teachers. Finally, combine class-size reduction with other school practices like appropriate teacher training and support, increased learning time, and services that address non-academic barriers that students face outside the classroom. More

Source:  Public Education News Blast

Published by LEAP

Los Angeles Education Partnership (LAEP) is an education support organization that works as a collaborative partner in high-poverty communities.