Evidence for excellence: How the Ohio Evidence Based Model provides better opportunities for students.
Smaller class sizes for grades K-3 can lead to better reading and math skills
Evidence shows classes with 13-17 students lead to measurable improvements in reading and mathematics.
For Grades 1-7, using student-teacher ratio as a measure of class size, student achievement fell as the student-teacher ratio increased for every student above an 18 to 1 ratio. Finn, J.D., Gerber, S.B., & Boyd-Zaharias, J. (2005). Small classes in the early grades, academic achievement, and graduating from high school. Journal of Education Psychology, 97, 214–223.
Early childhood education in smaller classes helps close achievement gaps
The benefits of smaller class sizes are greatest for minority students and those attending inner-city schools, with even greater benefits for low-income students. Students in small classes for three to four years (grades K–3) retain the greatest advantage, even after returning to larger classes in grades 4–8.
Nores, M., Belfield, C.R. Barnett, W.S., & Schweinhart, L. (2005). Updating the economic impacts of the High/Scope Perry Preschool program. Educational Evaluation and Policy Analysis, 27, 245-261. Retrieved from http://www.sagepub.com/journalsProdDesc.nav?prodId=Journal201852. AERA. (2003).
Class size: Counting students can count. Research Points, 1 (2), 1-4. Retrieved from American Educational Research Association website: http://www.aera.net/uploadedFiles/Journals_and_Publications/Research_Points/RP_Fall03.pdf.
All-day kindergarten improves outlook for graduation, college and lifelong earnings
Participants in all-day kindergarten (now funded statewide for the first time) achieve higher graduation rates and enter college more frequently, earn more in their careers, contribute more taxes and avoid welfare dependency and crime – personal and societal benefits that far outweigh costs.
See Nores, Barnett, & Schweinhart 2005).