Class Size Doesn't Matter

The assertion that class size has no bearing on student learning is a common claim, often made in discussions about educational budgets. However, this claim is contradicted by extensive research, most notably the Tennessee STAR (Student/Teacher Achievement Ratio) experiment. This landmark study, which involved 12,000 students and remains the largest randomized education study ever conducted, conclusively demonstrated that smaller class sizes positively impact student achievement. The benefits were particularly significant for disadvantaged students, who experienced gains 30% larger than the average, and these academic advantages persisted through high school.