Class-Size Reduction.

Class-size reduction programs designed to reduce class size to an average of 18 students for grades one through three have met with varied results among individual states, according to a policy brief by WestEd Educational Laboratory.

In designing class-size reduction programs, educators need to assess specific state circumstances to ensure the greatest benefit from what is usually a considerable financial investment and to avoid unintended circumstances.

According to WestEd, class-size reduction programs provide several long-lasting benefits, including:

* Achievement gains, especially for poor and minority students;

* Greater individual attention to and teacher knowledge of each student's progress;

* Faster and more in-depth coverage of content, more student-centered classroom strategies, such as special-interest learning centers, and more enrichment activities.

The report concedes that class-size reduction also may exacerbate the problem of teacher shortages and underqualified teachers and may be hampered by a lack of facilities.

Class-size reduction programs require flexibility in their implementation and should have flexibility in their budgets as well.