Smaller classes give teachers more time with individuals.
However, inexperienced teachers may be hampering the quality of learning. The result, according to a UCR study, is a large crop of new teachers who have little training and even less experience. The 1996 state program hit school districts hard and fast. However, UCR researchers say that this news about teacher experience levels is vital, because a teacher's training and experience is a better indicator of a child's academic success than the size of the class. He said home language and a child's socioeconomic status are also more related to academic achievement than simple class size.