The lack of objective student achievement data is more than made up for by the wealth of observations offered from teachers, parents, administrators and current education research. There is more student time on task. Small classes are quieter. Students participate more actively in their own learning. Teachers use a greater variety of instructional approaches.
Instruction is more individualized.
There is more classroom space for learning centers. Students develop better relationships with their classmates and their teacher. There is more preventative and less remedial instruction. Teachers can better gauge their students' strengths and weaknesses and get to know them as individuals. Student interactions are more positive and cooperative.