Abstracts Category : Other

The effect on achievement when reading classes are reduced in size by the early-late system of scheduling

by David Thomas Perkins

For many years differences of opinion have existed as to the ideal class size for maximum pupil achievement in elementary grades. Even at the primary level there is a wide range of opinion as evidenced by the results of a poll of five hundred school administrators. Their recommendations ranged from as low as ten pupils to over forty pupils for primary classes.1 Published experimental evidence in support of any class size, however, is very limited. The purpose of this studywas to ascertain if any differences in achievement resulted from reducing first grade reading class size by means ofthe early-late system of scheduling at Hollywood Park School, Sacramento City Unified School District, Sacramento,California. Although class size is an important item in budgeting, designing classrooms, curriculum, methods of instruction, teacher training, and many other aspects of education, facts on which to base decisions are few. In this study, an attempt was made to contribute some factual information on this subject.Advisors/Committee Members: Hansen, Henry R..