Re: Moscow School District budget cuts

["Sue Hovey" <suehovey@moscow.com>]

Steve, this was the STAR Program in Tennessee.  It was well documented and
the data revealed that children in grades 1 - 3 (the only ones the study
used) significantly benefit from classes of under 15 or fewer.  There were
several configerations--more students and 2 teachers, more students and a
teacher and an aide, etc.  The results were dramatic (particularly with
literacy) and the Tennessee effort continues because of that study which was
done a decade ago or more.  Because STAR was so successful several other
states took serious steps to ensure not more than 15 students in grades K-3
on a statewide basis.  Idaho legislation passed to set a level of 20 per
primary class, but that was never a mandate and it is no longer even a
legislative goal.  Indiana was one which did set a specific mandate and  I
believe that program also continues.
----- Original Message -----
From: Steve Cooke <scooke@uidaho.edu>
To: <jdanahy@turbonet.com>
Cc: Vision2020 Listserver (E-mail) <vision2020@moscow.com>
Sent: Monday, April 26, 1999 11:49 AM
Subject: RE: Moscow School District budget cuts


> John,
>  In the 20 April issue of the New York Times business section, there is a
> story on a Princeton economist who has shown that small class size in the
> first four grades makes a significant difference in students performance
> for the rest of their life. The analysis is based on a program in
Tennessee
> to reduce class sizes.
>  This study suggests that teacher cuts at the higher grades are better
than
> ones at the lower levels. I say this as a parent with sons in the 5th and
> 12th grade next year.
> Steve Cooke
>
>