The call for limits on the enrollment of students in classes has continued to grow during the past decade despite questions regarding whether class size really makes a difference in instructional effectiveness. The purpose of the research reported here is to establish what the states have actually done to reduce class size in kindergarten through…

The argument over economic development and environmental sustainability took center stage in the late 1960s and early 1970s as many believed the capacity of the earth to support the population was being reached. In the early 1980s the arguments receded but have reemerged as atmospheric problems and petroleum supplies are again hot topics. The…

The purpose of this paper was to share findings from an earlier study and to provide a framework for administrators to use in the implementation of class-size reduction (CSR) in their buildings. The study examined actual and average class size (CS), pupil-teacher ratios (PTR), and their differences. A primary goal was to clarify the ramifications…

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,…

Examined caregiving environments for 243 premature, low birthweight infants living in poverty to determine effects on health and development. Found that children's health and development benefited significantly from six protective caregiving factors: (1) increased parental responsiveness; (2) availability of toys and learning materials; (3)…

Zoo projects that encourage reflective learning and are legitimate undertakings for untrained undergraduates are hard to develop. In this article, the author, as a professor in anthropology, discusses and teaches primate studies. His pedagogical goal in teaching primate studies is to enhance the process of learning, and to consider that students…

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…

This report examines the severe overcrowding facing U.S. public and private schools in the next decade and the challenges for cities and the suburbs, the need for school construction and the nationwide effort to modernize schools, and the changing cultural diversity of these students. Enrollment statistics from 1970 through 2010 are provided along…

This report examines the severe overcrowding facing U.S. public and private schools, the need for expanding pre-K opportunities, the policy implications these enrollments create, additional teacher requirements, and school construction levels. Enrollment statistics from 1970 through 2010 are provided along with comparative data on states, school…

This report takes the experience of one city--Chicago, Illinois--and uses it as a detailed example of how the struggle to rebuild U.S. schools, particularly a large-scale program, has fared in the real world, highlighting the need for a federal role in helping state and local governments fix its school buildings and relieve overcrowding. Chapter…

To overcome crowding and foster cooperative learning, a Virginia middle school teacher divides his class into two heterogeneous groups, separated by classroom furniture. These groups may be further subdivided. The two-in-one class enhances learning while motivating students to participate and develop strong friendships and leadership skills. (MLH)

Discusses the reasons why schools choose year-round multi-track (YRMT) scheduling. Asserts that YRMT scheduling seriously affects music teachers since they spend less time with the students and must plan in smaller increments. Provides the results from a survey where music teachers in Florida (Orange County) commented on their experiences with…

An abandoned downtown shopping mall in Burnsville, Minnesota, was transformed into an innovative senior campus that also relieved overcrowding at the main facility. Seniors pursued "community-connections" experiences via programs involving mass media, the transit authority, the battered women's shelter, public affairs, creative writing, and…