Increasing Class Sizes Could Save $6 Billion

The article cites "the Student Teacher Achievement Ratio study conducted in the late 1980s by the state of Tennessee, showed that when class sizes were reduced from 22 students to 15 students, student achievement increased by about three months of additional schooling." So, reducing class sizes now could save some money and allow for more tax breaks. But the loss of learning and individual attention could cost us even more in the future with students who have fewer meaningful interactions with their teachers and learn less in school. There are certainly diminishing returns when class size drops below around 20 students but there are escalating costs when class size rises above around 25 students per class. A sense of community and belonging is essential for students. This happens less as class sizes are increased. The costs later on in life related to increased unemployment and increased crime rates will far outweigh the savings achieved in the present.

American Society Today of OH 2:46PM September 05, 2011