National, large-scale studies consistently reveal that students in small schools learn more science, reading, math and history in small schools. They also perform better on standardized tests, such as the ACT and SAT. Consider a few of the findings in a review of research by Mary Anne Raywid:
- A study in Philadelphia examined the records of 20,000 students in Philadelphia's public high schools and concluded that students in small schools were more likely than those in large schools to pass major subjects and progress toward graduation.
- A study examining test scores of 13,000 youngsters in Alaska found that traditionally underserved students in small schools significantly outperformed those in large schools on standardized tests of basic skills.
- A New Jersey study showed that school size had more influence on student achievement than any other factor controllable by educators.
- A study in an unidentified Western state showed that the larger the school, the lower the student scores in reading and mathematics.
- A growing number of nationwide studies based on the experiences of nearly 12,000 students in 800 high schools have found that school size has an impact at all grade levels, but plays an increasingly large role in achievement as students become high school age.
Supporters of large schools argue that they are able to offer a greater variety of courses and thus provide more opportunities for students to excel academically. While it is true that large schools may have more specialized course offerings than small schools, research shows that only a minority of students - usually the ones that are already high achieving - take advantage of them. Small schools may cover fewer unique subjects but they use the advantages of their size—teacher collaboration, flexible schedules, personalized learning, safe environment—to explore those subjects in depth and in ways that are meaningful to students. That is why more students participate in (as opposed to just having access to) rigorous and relevant learning in small schools than in large ones.
The evidence supporting the success of small schools comes as the nation’s schools face a crisis in student achievement. According to the National Center for Educational Statistics, reading and math achievement among 12th graders have declined since 1996. African American and Latino students, and students from low-income families score below grade level at twice the rate of white students. Small schools offer an opportunity to reverse these trends and provide learning experiences that prepare all students—regardless of race and background—for college, work and citizenship.
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