The school must share its art and music teachers with another elementary school. The PTA ranks shrank by a third, and parents have had to volunteer more time to keep reading and tutoring programs alive. Unfortunately, many times the smaller schools lose out. But Kathleen Cotton, a research specialist at the Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory in Portland, Ore., contends that small schools like Wiley work better than mega-elementaries. Small schools allow more students to participate in more activities such as student council, safety patrol and the school post office.
Attendance is higher.
Behavior problems are fewer. Smaller schools are less likely to intimidate parents, who respond by giving their time and their input. Small schools more easily foster a sense of community and family. There is less anonymity. Minority and economically disadvantaged students often benefit most, Cotton said.