In High School- Smaller is Better- Hoover Institute Report

It is often presumed that large schools — high schools in
particular — offer a more diverse curriculum and more
opportunities at a lower cost. However, mounting evidence
indicates that neither of these assertions is true. In fact,
comprehensive research shows that small schools are superior to
large schools on most measures and equal to them on the rest,
according to researchers Hanna Skandera and Richard Sousa.

A comprehensive review of 103 studies revealed the following:

o The academic achievement of students in small schools is
at least equal to, and often superior to, that of large
schools.

o A recent study documenting Chicago’s small-school reform
implementation, which included approximately 150 schools,
showed improved standardized test scores or average test
scores holding steady despite more students taking the
test.

o No available research suggests that large schools are
superior to small schools in their achievement effects.

Also evident is marked improvement in achievement among ethnic
minority students and students of low socioeconomic status (SES).

o A July 1997 study reported that "disadvantaged students in
small schools significantly outperformed those in large
ones on standardized basic skills tests."

o A study by the Consortium on Chicago School Research found
that, "for both reading and math, small schools produce
greater achievement gains than larger schools holding
demographic and teacher characteristics constant."

o A study in 2000 showed that small schools helped close the
achievement gaps between less-affluent students and their
wealthier counterparts.

Student attitudes toward school in general and particular school
subjects are more positive in small schools. Furthermore,
research indicates that the attitudes of low-SES and minority
students benefit greatly from attending smaller schools.

Smaller schools produce positive results. America should take
notice of the impact smaller schools are making.

Source: Hanna Skandera and Richard Sousa, "Smaller is Better,"
Winter 2003, Hoover Digest, Hoover Institution.

For text
http://www-hoover.stanford.edu/publications/digest/031/skandera.html

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