Class Size and Student Achievement: Research-Based Policy Alternatives

Abstract

This article is about policy related to class size and student achievement. Class size is an ongoing education policy issue that ebbs and flows over time. Class size reductions have been proposed recently in many states and enacted in a few. This article reviews the literature on class size and student achievement and suggests policy alternatives. It has four sections: First, some introductory comments are made to set subsequent comments about class size policy into a broader context; second, the research on class size and student achievement is presented; third, the policy implications of this research are developed; fourth, a short summary of policy recommendations is provided.