IntroductionEducation is fundamental to today's modern society and the subject of endless debate across the states -United. Recently, this issue has become a priority at both the state and national levels (Finn, 2002). One reform movement currently being debated concerns the effects of school and class size on the quality of students' education. Proponents of smaller class sizes argue that students learn more when there are fewer students in the class. Many studies have been carried out to try to prove this theory. Although some studies show positive results, the many failed experiments have led opponents of class size reduction to believe that there is no connection between class size and student learning. (Bell, Crandall and Parnell, 2009). However, many studies have been inconclusive and widespread initiatives to reduce class sizes are being undertaken by schools across the country. Because class size reduction projects were very costly, some schools were forced to consider other alternatives to achieve the same goals (Kennedy, 2003). Examples of these alternatives include adding more teachers to a single classroom or lengthening the school day or year. Analyzing the negative, positive, and alternative aspects of class size reduction has been a topic of ongoing debate among researchers, educators, and leaders across the United States. .Benefits of Small Class SizesMany researchers have found that smaller class sizes are better. Teachers across the United States are finding that they can teach with more variety and depth in a small class rather than a large one. Teachers also believe that they have more time to cover the subjects and better organization in class. Teachers in smaller grades spend less time grading and paperwork, giving them more time to devote to teaching. A student......in the middle of paper lessons...and is more enthusiastic about teaching. Overall, educators believe that these methods of creating smaller classes will allow teachers to help their students (Dixon-Krauss & Januszka, 2008). Other studies have been criticized, such as that of Glass & Smith, because the final report was seriously flawed and did not contain reliable information (Mitchell & Beach, 1990). The cost of reducing class sizes is enormous, leading some schools to seek other alternatives. This included hiring more teachers, seeking volunteers, and extending the school day or year. Clearly, students benefit overall from a small classroom environment, and small classes encourage a sense of family and community between students and their teachers. Although this debate is far from over, research clearly shows that smaller class sizes are the most beneficial for students who learn in.