Jessica Kabat

EDUW 695
Ethics and Issues in Education
Debate Assignment Essay
How does class size affect student achievement?

I believe small class sizes do affect student achievement. There have been several
studies supporting this theory and although the results vary due to teacher efficacy, school
locations and student groups, I strongly believe that students in a class of 20 or fewer peers
makes a difference. As an educator, I have taught classes of students near 30, but then have
also taught classes of students with less than 20. In my experience, students are more apt to
engage in class discussion, ask more questions and take more intellectual risks in a class with
fewer students. I have been able to get to know my students on a more personal level because I
am able to spend more time with each student in a smaller class. I was able to provide feedback
in a more timely manner and help correct misunderstandings before the student would lash out
or give up on a learning task.
Student achievement in these studies are based on a standardized test, but being able
to give our students more time and attention is one of the first steps in helping to develop a
well-rounded, productive citizen. We are in an era of mental health crisis. Our students are
coming from homes where parents are having to keep extra hours at work to make ends meet.
Our electronic devices often fill a void. Our children need our attention, to feel a part of a family
and community. Many times, these children are pushed to the back of the crowd and fall
through the cracks. The children I see from day to day are hungry for attention, whether it be
positive or negative. They just want a listening ear and with all the demands put on teachers, it
sometimes is very difficult to even manage that. With a small class, teachers can develop
meaningful relationships with each student and give each student the time and attention
needed to help them be successful.
There is a lack in research for small class sizes in the secondary level, but there is also
lots of research about how crucial the early years of learning are. I remember hearing that a
student’s time in Kindergarten can determine that student’s achievement throughout their life.
It is a crucial time as they are learning to read- which also has a major impact in other areas of
their life. Even in music, the most crucial time in determining musical aptitude is between the
ages of 4 and 6. Within a small class, these students can get what they need and deserve in
order to set them up for success. Students are monitored more closely, and teachers are able to
identify learning difficulties early on. Students would still benefit greatly from a small class size
middle and high school, but if a student has completed elementary school with a strong
foundation in reading and math, a sense of belonging and purpose and a motivation for
learning, I believe that they will continue throughout their school years with less struggle and
will graduate high school.
Lastly, our education system is suffering in areas of teacher morale and retention,
student discipline and overall mental health. With smaller class sizes, some of these issues
could be drastically reduced, making school an even better environment for all.