Schools like ours with a small number of graduates tend to have larger score variations from year to year than in schools with large numbers of students. Over Two Decades SAT scores of students in 1995 and 1975 who shared demographic characteristics were compared. Scores had increased. Without the dramatic increase in the number of test takers, SAT scores would have risen by almost 25 points during that period. In 1995, students with four or more years of the arts were 59 points higher on SAT verbal and 44 points higher on SAT math tests.
Teachers can try new approaches without coordination with a large, bureaucratic organization.
Faculty members are more visible and thus more accountable to each other. Students are better known - their strengths and weaknesses are dealt with more effectively. Students feel safer since they know the staff. Parents have more opportunity to participate. It s hard.