Why Vote YES?
Growing Class Sizes:
Here’s a representative sample of average class sizes for the current school year, compared to state recommendations:
| School | Grade Level | Avg. Class Size 2007-08 | State Rec. |
| Riverview | First Grade | 23 - 24 |
20 |
| Lakeview | Third Grade | 25 |
20 |
| Valleyview | Sixth Grade | 25 |
21 |
Does class size matter? Does it improve student performance?
Project STAR (The Student / Teacher Achievement Ratio Study) – a large-scale, four-year, longitudinal, experimental study of reduced class size – found that students assigned to smaller classes performed better than students in larger classes on achievement tests in all subject areas. Children in smaller classes also took greater initiative in class, exerted more effort in learning activities, and displayed less disruptive, inattentive and withdrawn behavior*. The researchers concluded that the ideal class size is 20 students or less. This study has been called “one of the most important educational investigations ever carried out.”**
* “Class Size: What’s the Best Fit?” National Institute for Early Education Research, Dec. 2004.
** The Future of Children: Critical Issues for Children and Youths, 5(2), p. 113-127.
Does Class Size Matter in Denville?
Our schools follow state recommendations as closely as possible. Parents in the community also believe strongly in the benefits of smaller class sizes. In a survey of Denville residents conducted in November 2005 as part of our long-term educational plan, virtually all parents – 88 percent – wanted to see elementary classes with fewer than 22 students. As a community, we asked for small class sizes. Now we need to follow through and vote YES for a budget that helps make this possible.
To learn more about data supporting small class sizes….