Throughout the years, there have been many debates on whether or not class sizes should be reduced. Due to the number of budget cuts and teacher layoffs, public schools are seeing their class sizes are increase. Shrinking the number of students in a classroom could ultimately lead to higher achievement, lower stress on teachers, and fewer consequences. Policy makers should reduce the amount of students in a classroom to open up a greater opportunity for individual interaction between student and teacher.
Over the past couple of years, states have increased classes up to an average of 38 students. A study compared a class with 22-25 students, to a class with 13-17 students, and the smaller class greatly outscored the larger class on an achievement …show more content…
Overall, studies prove that individual interaction increases academic concept, social skills, and school behavior (Balonon-Rosen 3). Unfortunately, reducing the class size in the later grades would do no good because students have already formed habits- good or bad (“Importance of Class Size” 4). Many would prefer a larger class led by a fantastic teacher than a smaller class led by a mediocre or underqualified teacher (Dillon 3). Some parents say that class reduction is a waste of money (Haimson 3), while others believe that class reduction should take place in every school; however, it is costly and more complex than it seems. A major concern for reducing the size of classes is forcing schools to hire underqualified teachers. With the lack of space, administrators are forced to create classrooms out of closets and place portable classrooms on the playgrounds. High authority believe that for better achievement, teachers must alter their lecture style instead of focusing on the amount of students in the room (“Class Size” 2). Even if reducing the size of a class is costly, the question should remain, compared to what? If class reduction provides substantial, lifelong benefits, why not invest rather than waste money on unproven reforms (Haimson 3)? As Derek Bok once said, “If you think education is expensive, try ignorance” …show more content…
Research shows that a smaller
Payne 4 class has been proven to increase a student’s citizenship and slow down crime rate. Also, students who begin school in a small class tend to be up to three months ahead in knowledge (“Class Size Matters” 2). The benefits are life changing, and the probability of graduating high school is almost promised (“Importance of Class Size” 3). Overall, if reducing the number of kids in a classroom is effective for learning, a proper policy should be passed. As John Dewey once said, “What the wisest parent wants for his own child, that must the community want for all of its children” (Haimson 3). Shrinking class sizes could ultimately benefit not only student achievement, but reduce the amount of stress and consequences that take an affect on teachers. Not only will students be more willing to cope, but with better test scores the coming generations will have a better
Over the past couple of years, states have increased classes up to an average of 38 students. A study compared a class with 22-25 students, to a class with 13-17 students, and the smaller class greatly outscored the larger class on an achievement …show more content…
Overall, studies prove that individual interaction increases academic concept, social skills, and school behavior (Balonon-Rosen 3). Unfortunately, reducing the class size in the later grades would do no good because students have already formed habits- good or bad (“Importance of Class Size” 4). Many would prefer a larger class led by a fantastic teacher than a smaller class led by a mediocre or underqualified teacher (Dillon 3). Some parents say that class reduction is a waste of money (Haimson 3), while others believe that class reduction should take place in every school; however, it is costly and more complex than it seems. A major concern for reducing the size of classes is forcing schools to hire underqualified teachers. With the lack of space, administrators are forced to create classrooms out of closets and place portable classrooms on the playgrounds. High authority believe that for better achievement, teachers must alter their lecture style instead of focusing on the amount of students in the room (“Class Size” 2). Even if reducing the size of a class is costly, the question should remain, compared to what? If class reduction provides substantial, lifelong benefits, why not invest rather than waste money on unproven reforms (Haimson 3)? As Derek Bok once said, “If you think education is expensive, try ignorance” …show more content…
Research shows that a smaller
Payne 4 class has been proven to increase a student’s citizenship and slow down crime rate. Also, students who begin school in a small class tend to be up to three months ahead in knowledge (“Class Size Matters” 2). The benefits are life changing, and the probability of graduating high school is almost promised (“Importance of Class Size” 3). Overall, if reducing the number of kids in a classroom is effective for learning, a proper policy should be passed. As John Dewey once said, “What the wisest parent wants for his own child, that must the community want for all of its children” (Haimson 3). Shrinking class sizes could ultimately benefit not only student achievement, but reduce the amount of stress and consequences that take an affect on teachers. Not only will students be more willing to cope, but with better test scores the coming generations will have a better