Class Size Reduction - Worth our Efforts?

Bill Ferriter writes in Teacher Magazine that, despite their appeal, class-size reduction efforts aren't always in the best interests of students or the teaching profession. He says that, if not accompanied by larger reform initiatives, they can exacerbate teacher-supply and facilities problems and place more students in classes with underprepared educators. "Class-size reductions are ... political smokescreens," he writes, "allowing decision-makers to ignore the more costly and complex task of attracting, developing, and retaining highly accomplished teachers for America's classrooms."

I'll have to disagree with you Bill....my short response in Teacher Magazine:

Response From: Jeff Lackney/School facilitites planner
03/06/2007 11:46AM
Red Herring. Clearly, the key phrase in Bill Ferriter's article is "without significant reform efforts" including teacher training. Of course, ANY one change will not create any meaningful shift in education - even "throwing money". There are plenty of educational reformers who have argued that we require a systemic effort, whole school reform to implement meaningful change. We should focus more on looking at a multi-pronged approaches - including class size reductions.

Comments

[Bill Ferriter]

Jeff wrote:
There are plenty of educational reformers who have argued that we require a systemic effort, whole school reform to implement meaningful change. We should focus more on looking at a multi-pronged approaches - including class size reductions.

Jeff,
I'm not sure we disagree at all. Clearly you see the importance of reforms beyond simply shrinking class sizes...which is what I argue for as well.

Where, however, do the "multi-pronged approaches" that you mention actually happen?

In reality, "school reform" to decision makers means find the quickest, easiest way to get re-elected....which results in simplistic solutions to complex problems...and in schools standing still.

Enjoyed thinking about this...
Bill

[Jeff lackney]

You've got me there Bill. Clearly, your assessment about the political nature of school reform is right on. Multi-pronged approaches, or better yet, real comprehensive reforms (e.g. Essential Schools) are few and far between.