This report looks at the impact of class size reduction on pupil outcomes in California, and may be of use to policy makers and school leaders.
What we have learned about class size reduction in California
Synopsis
This report examines the Class Size Reduction Programme (CSR) policy in California, and presents new research on the effectiveness of the programme. The authors found that although there was a correlation between the implementation of CSR and state-wide average test scores, the extent of the improvement in the test scores did not track with the changes in CSR.
Their analysis of the effect of CSR on pupil achievement was that the findings were inconclusive, though they later suggest that the improvement in scores was not attributable to the CSR. Additionally, they suggest that the CSR was associated with declines in teacher qualifications and had only a modest effect on teacher mobility.
They conclude with a recommendation that the California state government re-evaluate the real costs of the CSR, as well as its cost-effectiveness.