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Does Class Size Matter?

Diane Whitmore Schanzenbach
Publisher: 
National Education Policy Center, Univ. of Colorado
Date: 
February 2014
Source URL: 
http://nepc.colorado.edu/newsletter/2014/02/does-class-size-matter

This policy brief summarizes the academic literature on the impact of class size and finds that class size is an important determinant of a variety of student outcomes, ranging from test scores to broader life outcomes. Smaller classes are particularly effective at raising achievement levels of low-income and minority children.

Policymakers should carefully weigh the efficacy of class-size policy against other potential uses of funds. While lower class size has a demonstrable cost, it may prove the more cost-effective policy overall.

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