There is growing global concern concerning South African learners' mathematics achievement, with research identifying many factors contributing to poor mathematics achievement, with class size being one of them. When classrooms are overcrowded, this may lead to a stressful environment which can negatively impact the quality of teaching and…

A detailed assessment of the average class size in Massachusetts public schools is provided in this report, which includes the means and ranges of average class size and a description of class size across grade levels, subject area, and community type. Data were collected from the Chapter 188 Individual School Report (1987-88), an annual survey of…

Two studies examined the relationship between classroom crowding and the behavior of handicapped students in a total of 74 special classes. Both studies found the frequency of disruptive or aggressive behavior higher under the crowded conditions. (Author/DB)

Research indicates that the relationship between class size and instructional effectiveness depends on a multitude of related variables, such as age level of students, subject matter taught, and instructional methods used. Recent statistical syntheses of this research reveal that the instructional benefits of smaller classes are most significant…

This study examined the benefits and drawbacks of using private and parochial schools to alleviate overcrowding in public schools. The extent of overcrowding in urban school systems; the amount of excess capacity in private schools; and the willingness of private schools to participate in a transfer program are explored. Program design,…

After a brief introduction identifying current issues and trends in research on class size, this brochure reviews five recent studies bearing on the relationship of class size to educational effectiveness. Part 1 is a review of two interrelated and highly controversial "meta-analyses" or statistical integrations of research findings on…

The inadequate financing of public school facilities under the maximum class size requirements in Texas public education raises issues of quality and equity. In six chapters, this thesis attempts to examine the costs of facilities needs and to evaluate the options available to state and to local school districts. Chapter 1 states the problem and…

This research brief reviews selected 1986 publications concerning the effects of class size on student achievement, attitudes, and behavior. The following points are made: (1) smaller classes in the lower grades have a positive effect on student learning attitudes and behavior; (2) minority, disadvantaged, and low-achieving students perform better…

A severe space crunch and dismal academic performance prompted a Texas school district to adopt multitrack year-round education. Six years later, crowding is under control and test scores and attendance are up. In an interview, the superintendent and assistant superintendent discuss the district's success with this controversial schedule. (MLF)

Better physical conditions produce better student outcomes. Other factors affecting a school's physical environment and academic productivity include school structure, school size, teacher-pupil ratio, school location, grade-level configuration, and classroom size. Building or remodeling schools according to obsolete images is fiscally and…

As part of its work for the Citizens' Commission on Planning for Enrollment Growth, the Institute for Urban and Minority Education (IUME) conducted research to assess the impact of overcrowding on the students of New York City schools. All five of the City's boroughs have experienced recent enrollment growth that has been closely linked to…

The objective of this report is to answer the big questions about whether in the foreseeable future most school overcrowding in New York City will be eliminated and all city children will have class sizes and access to school libraries, science labs, art/music rooms, and physical fitness activities that are the norm for students in the rest of the…

This document presents the formal response to the Chicago (Illinois) Board of Education's annual review of desegregation efforts for 1988-89, which addresses strategies to relieve overcrowding. The Commission found that the document is substantial and detailed in nearly all respects, overcrowded schools should stop permitting students who are…

This research report presents data showing that overcrowding in the New York City public schools is having significantly negative effects on instruction and learning in the system. The impact is particularly strong in schools that have a high proportion of students of low socioeconomic background, where overcrowding is sharply linked to lower…

The independent Citizens' Commission on Planning for Enrollment Growth for New York City has concluded that the school system is experiencing explosive enrollment growth, and that current strategies are incapable of dealing with this growth. The only way to forestall a crisis is to increase classroom space significantly. Given current demographic…