In fourth grade, students from smaller classes still performed better than the students from larger classes did. The most clear-cut problem with reducing class size is the cost. Significantly more must be spent on added teachers and added space to limit class size. In addition, while some states have reduced class size and then done research to make sure that doing so actually enhances student performance, others have not spent money on this kind of research, so they don't know what the added cost is buying. At times reducing class size has resulted in large numbers of new teachers being thrust into tough situations.
Critics then question the educational outcome and quality of education provided.
In 1996, California had to hire many new teachers to implement a reduction in class size mandated by the governor. Many of the new teachers worked with emergency credentials. Those teachers taught smaller classes, but often had few or no experienced teachers to turn to for advice. Despite some problems with cutting class size, teachers generally support the smaller class sizes. I played word games with students.