| Class Size |
Small classes can make a big difference and we have the research to prove it. Local data from TUSD and national data from class size reduction initiatives in Indiana, Tennessee, Minnesota, Wisconsin and California shows that reducing class size:
Having smaller classes is especially important in the early grades of K-3. This is when children are taught the foundation upon which the rest of their education will be built. And if we can get it right in the early grades, the research shows that the students reap the rewards throughout the rest of their careers in education. Since 2000 Voices for Education has been a leader in class size reduction efforts in Arizona, putting research in the hands of parents, policy-makers and community members and working to hold our legislature accountable for failing our students. Voices for Education is working to reduce class size by:
What's the ideal class size for the primary grades. The Tennessee STAR study randomly assigned over 7,000 students to different class sizes: 18 and under, 22-25 and 22-25 with an aide. The STAR study found that the children in the classes with fewer than 18 students out performed their peers who were in the larger classes. The STAR study also found that there were "lasting benefits." The students who were in the smaller classes continued to outperform their peers even when they returned to the larger classes. They out performed them in reading, had less discipline problems and were more likely to graduate from high school and go on to college. While all students benefit from smaller classes, the greatest gains were made by low-income and minority students. Arizona has some of the largest class sizes in the United States. Only Utah has larger class sizes than Arizona. In a state, where we underfund education, reducing class size may seem like a luxury, but it we want to compete on a global level, and have our children in a economically viable state, we must make this investment. PLease read our report on TUSD's efforts to reduce class sizes in Arizona. This district reduced class sizes in Kindergarten in their most at-risk schools--they saw improvements in reading in just 4 months. The improvements were so great, that they expanded the program to small class sizes in all Kindergarten and First grades. This program was stopped due to state budget cuts. It was paid for by 301 money. Check out our reports: Putting Children First: TUSD's Class Size Reduction Initiative and Putting Children First: TUSD's Smaller Class Size Initiative; Year 2. # # # Smaller class sizes Superintendent Wade McLean and MEA President Andrew Morrill joined forces to reduce class sizes in Marana Unified School District Small Class sizes Reducing Class size in the primary grades Smaller classes, brighter futures. (C) Voices for Education |