Further Research In New Zealand, concern about staffing ratios in the junior schools remains prominent among teacher groups. In the United Kingdom, Blatchford and colleagues note that the scarcity of local evidence about class size effects led to strong assertions from politicians and Secretaries of Education that class size reductions are ineffective. There needs to be longitudinal research, using more complex analyses to overcome some of the limitations of much of the class size research, and to provide sound information as a basis for decisions affecting students and teachers. There is more proof of benefits for younger children. The effect of reduced class size on kindergarten reading readiness.
Class size does make a difference.
Phi Delta Kappan, 253-256. Tennessee State University. Effects of reduced class size in primary classes. A critique of methods and a way forward. Journal of Economic Literature, 24,1141-1177.