The Right Size for Learning:
Class Sizes in Massachusetts
Children have a better chance to
succeed in school when they receive individualized support and attention.
Smaller class sizes are one way to help our teachers meet the needs of each
child. In The Right Size for Learning,
MassBudget examines the evidence on how class size reductions can improve
outcomes and expand opportunity for all of our children, particularly those who
face the greatest obstacles.
The evidence shows that reducing
class sizes, particularly in early grades, can improve student engagement,
academic achievement and college readiness--but only if it is done right.
Examining successful programs in Tennessee and Wisconsin we see clear lessons.
Class size reduction efforts work well when they are:
- Targeted for students in the early grades.
- Combined with other effective school practices, such as strong teacher professional development.
While well-designed programs have shown positive
results, a major initiative in California was far less effective. That case
provides important lessons. Funding was structured in a way that provided more
help to affluent districts and actually made it harder for lower income
districts to attract high quality teachers.
To read the full paper,
please click HERE.
This
report is part of a shared project--the Roadmap for Expanding Opportunity:
Evidence on What Works in Education--led by MassBudget and the Rennie Center
for Education Research & Policy. The project is composed of a series of
reports that identify evidence-based strategies for supporting all children in achieving college, career, and life
success.
Click
HERE to visit the project website and
read the
reports.
| The Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center (MassBudget) produces policy research, analysis, and data-driven recommendations focused on improving the lives of low- and middle-income children and adults, strengthening our state's economy, and enhancing the quality of life in Massachusetts. |
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