Classroom Size and The School District
Small classroom size is preferred by parents and teachers alike. Less students in a class means more personal attention for each student, as well as fewer tests to grade and fewer disruptions. State legislators continue to pass laws regarding lowering the number of students in a classroom, however what does research say about class size? One widely referenced study showing the positive impact of a smaller classroom size comes from a Student Teacher Achievement Ratio (STAR) study conducted in Tennessee in the late 80s. Students and teachers were randomly assigned to classes with an average of 15 or 22 students. The 7 student (32%) reduction in class size was found to increase student achievement by about 3 additional months of schooling four years later . However, few other studies show any drastic effects, if any at all. Large class size reductions can show positive results, but considering variables like cost, space, and teacher availability, this isn’t always viable.