Effectiveness of Smaller Class Sizes Unproven but Teachers Strike for Them

Effectiveness of Smaller Class Sizes Unproven but Teachers Strike for Them
Educators rally as a strike against the Los Angeles Unified School District entered its fifth day outside City Hall in Los Angeles on, Jan. 18, 2019. AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes
The Associated Press
Updated:

LOS ANGELES—Most educators and parents see class size as an indicator of a quality education and have made it a priority in teacher strikes across the United States in the past year, but its effectiveness is still up for debate.

There’s no universal standard for the best class size, although some states and school districts have instituted policies, particularly in lower grades. While many believe smaller is better, studies are mixed on exactly how much it can improve academic outcomes, considering the cost.