Class size. Among parents, students, teachers, and administrators alike, class size is a frequent topic of conversation. But what exactly do we know about class size in Massachusetts? What have we learned about the importance of class size in the 33 years since the famous Tennessee STAR experiment? What resources are required in order to achieve small classes in your school?
Across grades, the median size of a core academic class in Massachusetts ranges from 17.7 to 21.4 students. These numbers are small relative to those studied in prior research and relative to other states.
On average, class sizes start small in the early grades, increase slightly from grade to grade through the elementary and middle school grades, and then decrease again in the high school grades.
The effectiveness of class size reduction efforts:
Early evidence from the Tennessee STAR experiment was promising, but more recent studies that use data and settings that are more similar to the current education policy context suggest little effect. In fact, most modern studies show much smaller impacts than the STAR experiment or no effects at all.
Little convincing evidence in the current educational context shows that small classes generate greater improvements in student outcomes for black or low-income students.
Districts that reduce class sizes must also have sufficient classroom space to meet higher demand.
Find out more about class size in Massachusetts in our latest DESE policy brief.
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