The research reveals several answers. First, everything is just easier. Smallness requires participation, which creates engagement. It s hard to get lost in a small school. And it s hard to hide.
People come to know each other and to care for each other.
Both parents and students are more involved. Teachers in small schools are more likely to form teaching teams, integrate their subject matter, employ multi-age grouping and cooperative learning. In addition, small schools have a greater emphasis on experiential learning that is relevant to the outside world. Despite all these findings, it will be difficult to overcome the decades of belief that bigger is better and change attitudes to support smallness. However, a part of leadership is finding and promoting workable alternatives.