Gathering Accurate Data Is the First Step
in Reducing Class Size

It's difficult to track national progress in reducing class sizes because no state-by-state "actual" class size information exists. Educators know that smaller class sizes mean higher quality education, but how do you convince politicians of this all-important truth? The first step is gathering accurate data.

Beginning in the fall of 2003, NEA began requesting class size information from state departments of education. To collect, store and disseminate "actual" class size data — not just misleading pupil-teacher ratios — states may need new computer software, training and other resources. A starting point for such a new effort would be for state boards of education and legislatures to enact measures authorizing the collection of actual class size data.

What Can You Do To Ensure that This Happens?

1. Your help is needed 
Please write, e-mail, call or talk to your local and state school board representatives and legislators to let them know how important it is to develop a systematic way to capture actual class size data throughout each state.

2. Encourage legislators to draft legislation for accurate data collection
Legislation might read:

Whereas study of the effects of class size on student achievement is important to determining the value of efforts to reduce class size, and

Whereas class size data are collected randomly and, most often, recorded as student-teacher ratios rather than actual class sizes, and

Whereas accurate and consistent class size data are essential to determine nationally the importance of small classes, now

Therefore, the state department of education of ______________ shall collect class size data annually using the form below and report such information to the Legislature no later than December 1 of each year. This statute shall be in full force and effect upon publication.

The Class Size Data Collection Form

Given the strong support of parents and teachers — and the demonstrated effectiveness of smaller classes — Americans should urge their elected representatives at all levels to support continued class size reduction. It's education reform that works.

This Class Size Data Collection Form (10 pp.) is designed to provide state departments of education with a standard approach to collecting and reporting "actual" class size data. 

For more information, contact Helen Pate-Bain (251/540-7012, hpbain@gultel.com) or Helen Wise (814/422-8207, how1@psu.edu). Or visit the Reduce Class Size Now Web site.