A Closer Look at Class Size Reduction: Examining Perceived Impacts on Teachers and Classroom Practice

• In Event: Roundtable Session 17
  In Roundtable Session: Considering Teachers’ Perspectives on Reform

Abstract

The results of this study offer new insights regarding the extent to which and how teachers use class size reduction (CSR) to innovate in their classrooms. Thirty-four qualitative case studies were conducted as part of an evaluation of California’s Quality Education Investment Act, a school reform involving CSR in grades K-12. Findings suggest that CSR, by easing classroom management, has a direct impact on teacher morale and workload. However, some teachers capitalize on the time – and decreased workload – afforded by CSR to change their classroom practices (e.g., assessing more frequently, varying instruction, etc.). In these cases, teachers reported additional impacts beyond increased morale and decreased workload, including greater awareness of student needs, higher quality instruction, and increased student engagement.

Authors

• Courtney L. Malloy, Vital Research, LLC

• Andrea Nee, Vital Research, LLC