Does size really matter?

Does size really matter? According to research, you bet it does. And according to my personal opinion, it should be one of the biggest issues in education.

Research has been conducted on the academic effects of small class sizes. It has been proven small class sizes are effective in helping struggling students. The problem the education system is running into is the research does not justify the extra cost of additional teachers and classrooms. Two main points are highlighted about class sizes: reduced class sizes can expect to increase student scores and benefits of a reduced class size occur when there are 20 or fewer students.

The Center for Education Reform provides information on two studies conducted to promote small schools not necessarily small classes. Although flaws from the studies are outlined, the benefits are also noted. Specifically in California, small schools have been a mission of theirs. But the research has shown it isn’t the small school that makes a difference. It is the small class sizes that make the difference in a child’s education and their success.

But are there any long-term effects from small class sizes? According to an article on Disney Family Parenting, it has been researched how small class sizes lead to an increase in graduation rates. The study highlighted how not just one year of small class sizes makes the difference. It states 3-4 years of small class sizes leads to higher graduation rates, an increase of almost 12%. The study also shows how the importance of small class sizes occurs early on. The most benefits happen when students are in small class sizes in grades K-3.

Finally, the National Teachers Council of English provides guidelines for class sizes and teacher workloads. Some guidelines I found were similar to those I currently follow. Such as keeping class sizes fewer than 25 students, 30 minutes of planning time each day, the availability of clerical assistance and access to a computer. One guideline I found very interesting stated a half-day each month should be devoted to long term planning. I think this would benefit all teachers if they had a half-day off each month just to plan long term.

So what needs to happen to get smaller class sizes? Does more research need to be conducted? Does there need to be more funds devoted to promoting smaller class sizes?
What would you do with fewer students? Would it make a difference in your teaching if you didn’t have as many students in your classroom as you do now? What could you accomplish if you cut your class in half or maybe by thirds?

I will wait for the day when I start the year with fewer than 20 students, until then I can only dream what it would be like…