Smaller Schools are Better
If our goal is to do what is right and good for our district, this should be taken into account: existing research overwhelmingly supports the idea that small schools are better than large schools. Most research indicates that a “small” elementary school has no more than 300- 400 students. If schools are closed in our district, several of our schools will no longer be small schools. Even if school closures will reduce some of our debt, the costs in other areas far outweigh any alleged savings.
o Small schools have higher levels of participation in extracurricular activities. Students in smaller schools are more likely to hold positions of importance and feel better about their participation.
o Small schools have quality curriculum that is equal to or similar to that in larger schools. While some larger schools may have slightly more varied curriculum, the difference is small, and it requires a great deal of increase in enrollment to result in a small amount of increase in variety of curriculum. In addition, studies have shown that a very small percentage of students take advantage of the extra classes offered at large schools, and most extra classes are not advanced or distinctive classes, but tend to be additional introductory classes instead.
o Small schools can be operated very efficiently, and when compared to many large schools they are more cost effective. As schools grow, more staff is needed to maintain control. This includes assistant principals, yard duty personnel, security, and other support staff. Costs of utilities and maintenance increase with enrollment growth as well.
o In small schools academic achievement is as good as or better than it is in larger schools. “Achievement measures used in the research include school grades, test scores, honor roll membership, subject-area achievement, and assessment of higher-order thinking skills.”(Cotton 1996).
o In small schools students have a more positive attitude toward school than in large schools. Students have a sense of belonging, and more positive self-regard.
o Negative social behaviors, such as truancy, aggressive behavior and vandalism, are less common in smaller schools.
o Small schools have better attendance rates than larger schools.
o Small schools have much lower dropout rates than larger schools.
o Small schools have better interpersonal relations between students, and between staff and students.
o Small schools have higher rates of parent involvement. There is better communication and there are better relationships between parents and staff and between parents and administration.
o Small schools have a narrower achievement gap between poor children and more affluent children.
o In small schools students are more likely to go on to college, and are as prepared or more prepared for college success, as students in larger schools.
o Smaller schools can focus on the needs of the students rather than the organizational challenges of a large school. There is a feeling of community, almost like family, at a small school. Every student is known by the staff and administration, and the students know each other and look out for each other as well.
o Teachers benefit from working in smaller schools as well. There is more collaboration and cooperative learning, and more flexibility in scheduling in a small school. Teachers are familiar with each other and can share knowledge and experience with each other. They are familiar with the administration and have easy access to support and guidance.
o Smaller schools are a better deal for the district in the long run. They offer many benefits that will help our district reach its goal of being a “benchmark organization,” as is claimed on the web site.
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