Communication Center  Conference  Projects Share  Reports from the Field Resources  Library  LSC Project Websites  NSF Program Notes
 How to Use this site    Contact us  LSC-Net: Local Systemic Change Network
Educational Reform & Policy

Systemic Reform

Math Reform

Science Reform

Technology Integration

Equity

International Focus and TIMSS

Standards

Assessment and Accountability

School Culture

Public Engagement

Professional Development

Teaching and Learning

LSC Papers and Reports

Paper

  New!     

The Enduring Effects of Small Classes

author: Jeremy D. Finn, Susan B. Gerber, Charles M. Achilles, Jayne Boyd-Zaharias
description: This investigation examines the immediate and long term effects of small classes on primary grade (K-3) students' academic achievement using data from Tennessee's Project STAR, a statewide controlled experiment on class size. The study presents interesting results that are discussed in terms of implications for class-size reduction initiatives and further research questions.

Abstract: "The purpose of this investigation was to extend our knowledge of the effects of small classes in the primary grades on pupils' academic achievement. Three questions were addressed that have not been answered in previous research: (1) How large are the effects of small classes relative to the number of years students participate in those classes? (2) How much does any participation in small classes in K-3 affect performance in later grades when all classes are full-size? (3) How much does the duration of participation in small classes in K-3 affect the magnitude of the benefits in later grades (4, 6, and 8)?"

NOTE: This resource is published on the TCRecord web site. Membership to TCRecord.org is FREE. If you are taken to the log-in page, simply complete the sign-up form to receive a password, or enter your password if you are already a member.

URL link: http://www.tcrecord.org/Content.asp?ContentID=10725
published in: Teachers College Record
published: 2001
posted to site: 05/29/2003