Voluntary State funding, based on incremental cost of providing lower class sizes. Districts must provide matching funds. Most common reason districts give for not using the maximum available funding is lack of classroom space. Goal is to improve academic achievement through four methods, one of which is small classes of no more than 15 students in grades K-3. Originally limited to high-poverty schools, the SAGE law was changed this school year to allow any school to apply.
Implementation takes place in waves.
Second wave began in 1998-99. Third wave will start in 2000-01. State funding mechanism encourages districts to achieve goal of reduced class size. The Clearinghouse compiled the information contained in this table through telephone and email correspondence with contact persons in state departments of education in March and April 2000.