A group of parents in neighboring Oregon have banded together to lobby the legislature for money to fund schools adequately. We don't think the kids can wait any longer. But smaller classes provide many more benefits than a morale boost for teachers. Smaller classes are easier to manage, teachers say. In a smaller class, a teacher can spend more time teaching basic skills.
Teachers can cover more ground in each lesson and provide daily feedback to students.
In smaller classes, it's easier for teachers to pinpoint students who require remedial help. Fewer children are referred for special education. And graduation rates increase. Teachers say that students in smaller classes pay better attention and ask more questions too. Fewer students in a classroom usually results in fewer discipline problems, teachers report.