How important is class size to the quality of education?
The research on class size reduction appears to demonstrate a positive improvement on test scores. I caution you to examine the research results, “your mileage may vary”. Two well know studies on this topic; The STAR project in the state of Tennessee and the California experience with a state wide reduction in class sizes, illustrate the concerns. This research may be flawed and the effort can be expensive with less than the promised spectacular results. In Jay Greene’s book “Education Myths” (Rowman & Littlefield copyright 2005) there is a convincing argument to suggest that smaller classes do not automatically lead to improved education. There are many factors involved in improving education. To simplify the solution to smaller class size is not wise. Reasonable people can examine the research and draw their own conclusions. If you conclude that the only/best solution to improving educational quality is to reduce class size let us examine how to accomplish that end. The board suggest
