Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Class size matters. Period.


















We know there's debate in the education community: Does class size matter? How much? If so, for which kids?

For our kids, it matters significantly. Domus Academy students are here to learn, and many need to catch up academically. To do that, they need extra time with their classroom teachers. Every minute counts. And if there are additional barriers facing a young person--poverty, social/emotional challenges, troubles at home, illness--that child will struggle to focus in class. The disadvantages just stack up.

A study released today by the Brookings Institution states, "it appears that very large class-size reductions, on the order of magnitude of 7-10 fewer students per class, can have significant long-term effects on student achievement and other meaningful outcomes. These effects seem to be largest when introduced in the earliest grades, and for students from less advantaged family backgrounds."

Large-scale reduction from previous classes our students were in? Check.
Students from less advantaged family backgrounds? Check.

Not only are our class small, with an average of 10 students per class, we strive to always have two adults in the classroom at all times for additional support for students.

Whatever it takes.

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