ERIC Number: EJ782068
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2007
Pages: 31
Abstractor: Author
Reference Count: 47
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0002-8312
The Wisdom of Class-Size Reduction
Graue, Elizabeth; Hatch, Kelly; Rao, Kalpana; Oen, Denise
American Educational Research Journal, v44 n3 p670-700 2007
In this study, the authors explore the implementation of a statewide class-size reduction program in nine high-poverty schools. Through qualitative methods, they examined how schools used class-size reduction to change staffing patterns and instructional programs. Requiring changes in space allocation, class-size reduction was accomplished through attention to pupil:teacher ratio, with classes ranging from 15:1 to 30:2 team taught. Most partner classes used tag-team teaching, with one teacher leading and the other doing clerical work. Working without specific professional development to enhance teaching in smaller classes, it made sense that teachers continued to solo practice. Class-size reduction is both a programmatic and instructional reform, and as such, it requires specific professional development to promote change. (Contains 3 tables and 3 notes.)
Descriptors: Class Size, Educational Change, Teaching Methods, Team Teaching, Professional Development, State Programs, Classroom Environment, Outcomes of Education, Program Implementation, Disadvantaged Schools, Grade 3, Grade 4, Educational Quality, Academic Achievement, Interviews
SAGE Publications. 2455 Teller Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320. Tel: 800-818-7243; Tel: 805-499-9774; Fax: 800-583-2665; e-mail: journals@sagepub.com; Web site: http://sagepub.com
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Elementary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers: Wisconsin

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