Class Size in the Primary Grades

1. Class Size in the Primary Grades Portland School Committee Meeting Presented by Dr. Beverly Coursey February 10, 2010

2. What is Class Size? • Simply the number of students in a classroom with one teacher. • This is separate from teacher / student ratios.

3. Scientifically-based Research • Randomized Controlled Studies has only proven five educational practices to increase student achievement: (U.S.D.O.E., 2003) • Reducing class size in grades K-3 • One-on-one tutoring by qualified tutors for at-risk readers in grades 1-3 • Life-Skills Training for junior high students • Instruction for early readers in phonemic awareness and phonics • High Quality Childcare and Preschool

4. Research – focus on small class size • Studies from Tennessee, Wisconsin, and elsewhere demonstrate that students who are assigned to smaller classes in grades K-3rd do better in every way that can be measured: they score higher on tests, receive better grades, and exhibit improved attendance. (Finn, 2002) • STAR was the randomized control study.

5. Academic Benefits • Increased math and reading scores • When assessed in grade 8, students who had small class sizes were academically almost one year ahead of their peers. • Higher grades in high school and fewer drop-outs. • Better scores on college entrance exams.

6. Academic Benefits • Graduation rates of free/reduced lunch students more than doubled. • Fewer students retained • The black / white gap in college entrance exams was cut in half • Small class size impacts all students’ achievement, but urban, ELL, and minority students, and students who live in poverty receive the most benefit.

7. Other Benefits • Increase parent involvement • Decrease in discipline / disruptive behavior • Increase teacher retention • Decreased teen parents in later years

8. Why Does it Work? • Individual attention allows for conversations with the teacher. • The teacher knows the student strengths and weaknesses and is able to individualize. • Early diagnose of learning problems allows for early intervention. • Allows for different use of space and activities. • Less time waiting for the teacher.

9. How Small? The studies indicate that class sizes of 13-17 are optimal. Places that reduce class sizes from 28 to 22 have not seen significant results. Small class sizes in kindergarten and first grade give results, with the largest results are seen with three or four years of small class size.