To date, no analysis of student retentions through later grades has been performed. With both academic and behavioral advantages, it is possible that small classes could reduce the need for special education placements. This would, of course, represent an important cost savings. The STAR analysis of attendance did not reveal any differences in grades kindergarten through 3. However, younger pupils do not have the autonomy that would permit skipping classes or school.
Attendance needs to be monitored through later grades.
Summary Project STAR demonstrated that small classes benefit students in grades kindergarten through 3 academically. Ratings of specific engagement dimensions revealed improvements in the expenditure of effort, initiative taking, and reduced disruptive and inattentive behavior in comparison to students in regular classes. Yet results for this population have not been examined closely enough to reveal the extent to which this is so. This is not a necessary assumption since no conclusions in this paper rest on it being correct.