2006-2008 Class Size Study Group Recommendations

Purpose:

The Class Size Study Group was formed in the Fall of 2006.  The Group will make recommendations to the Superintendent regarding class size, new revenue sources to fund smaller class sizes (as appropriate) and alternatives uses of those revenue sources (as appropriate).

Action Steps:

a)  Identify the problem(s) requiring resolution(s) involving smaller class size;

b)  Examine the history and status of class size in the Mercer Island School District;

c)  Study the research on the effectiveness of small class sizes in resolving the identified problem(s);

d)  Examine costs of smaller class sizes;

e)  Work with Associate Superintendent of Business Services and interested representatives from the Citizens for Mercer Island Public Schools (CMIPS) and the Mercer Island Schools Foundation (MISF) to identify funding sources; and

f)  Consider alternative uses of revenues to determine if smaller class sizes are the best use of those revenues.

Membership:

The Class Size Study Group is comprised of teachers, MIEA representation, school administrators, parents, and community members.  The Associate Superintendent of Business Services is charged with development and control of the district's budget and will attend each meeting of the Class Size Study Group.

For a current membership list... click here

For the 2007-2008 meeting schedule... click here

Meeting Notes:

At the end of each meeting, the Group comprises "Take Away" Points from their discussions.  See below: 

Status Report on September 11, 2007

Conclusions from the 2006-2007 School Year

Final Recommendation to the Interim Superintendent

Additional Research Information:

Average Class Size for Mercer Island School District 1994-2007

The State of Tennessee's Student/Teacher Achievement Ratio

"STAR" Project - Final Summary Report 1985-1990

Tennessee's Class Size Study:   Findings, Implications, Misconceptions

Referred to as "Finn/Achilles," Summer 1999, Vol. 21, no. 2, pp.97-109

CEIC Review (The National Center of Education in the Inner Cities) Volume 9, Number 2, March 2000