The amount of funding is determined by a formula that favors the poorest school districts. All the money goes directly to the school district, which then can hire teachers for kindergarten through third grade, and recruit and test new teachers. Districts that already have reduced their class sizes to 18 or fewer students in grades K to 3 can use the money to make further reductions in those or other grades, or plan programs to improve teacher quality. Much well-regarded research shows that smaller classes result in better learning and fewer discipline problems.
Some studies show the benefits are particularly great for minority students.
The federal class-size reduction efforts began last year after President Clinton's State of the Union address in January. As one of the most populous states in the country, Pennsylvania this year ranks fourth in total funding for class size reduction. Only California, New York and Texas will get more money.