It has been clearly proven, for instance, that smaller class size in the early grades has helped to improve student performance right through graduation. Smaller class size is critical to helping teachers devote more individual attention to student learning and has the added benefit of allowing educators to pay more individual attention to student discipline. Class size reduction efforts have done far more than voucher experiments in Milwaukee and Cleveland to raise the scores of low-income students. Only one in four voucher students ever attended a public school prior to receiving a voucher. Like many courts, the U.S. Congress has had its own doubts about vouchers.
Educators are proud of the outstanding level of achievement of New York's students.
In fact, New York's schools are graduating more students. SAT scores are up. New York's drop out rate is falling to historic lows. Students are taking and passing tougher courses in math and science. New York placed among the highest performing states in the nation on Advanced Placement exams.