Stephanie Robinson [email protected] 3/31/2014Big expenses for small classes: is it worth it? – Literature ReviewIntroductionThere is much debate surrounding the topic of class size as it relates to student achievement. While supporters say smaller class sizes will allow teachers to give more individualized attention to each student, critics say the funding needed to hire more teachers is not worth the meager gains students make in smaller classes. smaller. Even though reducing class size is a costly measure, the overwhelming majority of Americans support it. Dee and West (2011) report that, according to a study by Howell, West and Peterson, "77% of American adults would prefer that new education dollars be spent on reducing class sizes rather than “increase in teachers’ salaries” (p. 23). ). Americans value small class sizes, and in an economy in which every dollar counts, the class size debate takes on a greater priority as opposing camps scramble to spend funds on different policy initiatives. The purpose of this literature review is to determine whether allocating funds to hire more teachers to have smaller class sizes is a valid use of school district funding. This review includes perspectives on the benefits to teaching, student behavior, and academic success. This review makes the case for smaller class sizes because, based on research and evidence, it is clear that smaller class sizes positively influence teacher practice, student behavior and motivation and, most importantly, their results. the teaching of teachers. When Blatchford, Bassett, Goldstein, and Martin (2003) analyzed the effects of class size on teacher practice...... middle of article ......l academic curriculum. The Tennessee STAR Project was the only study to have a control group and was therefore the only truly scientific study, allowing researchers to compare groups of students; the other studies were based on existing classes and did not offer a valid comparison. Despite evidence showing that small class sizes are preferable, many public schools have average class sizes of at least 30 students in each class. This situation does not work; President Obama has set a goal for the country to have the highest proportion of college graduates in the world by 2020, but the United States consistently lags behind other industrialized nations. To improve student outcomes and help meet President Obama's 2020 goal, school districts should consider reallocating funds from other educational initiatives toward programs aimed at hiring more teachers to reduce class size..