That remains to be seen. Reducing class size is one of the most expensive approaches to school reform, critics argue. Cutting class size drains money that might be spent on better programs, they add. Those studies offer mixed and contradictory findings. You can find some studies that indicate that bigger classes have better effects on learning.
Critics offer all kinds of suggestions.
Train teachers in better intervention strategies and teaching techniques, such as cooperative learning, some critics suggest. Add aides and special teachers whose job it will be to focus on helping students in need, others say. Focus on low-achieving schools first, individual tutoring, early childhood programs . Suggestions abound . Robert Slavin, a Johns Hopkins University professor, agrees that money could be better focused.