Are Small Schools the Answer?

This book compares small schools in various countries with large ones and offers cost effective strategies for small schools. Part I focuses on social, economic, and educational issues related to small schools. Small schools are beneficial to their communities as centers of social development. In addition, small schools have a more cooperative environment than large schools, and student achievement is usually as good or better. On the negative side, small schools may have a limited curriculum and less qualified teachers. Part II offers suggestions for operating small schools effectively. Economically viable teaching groups can be formed through multigrade classes and biennial and triennial intakes. Staffing small schools involves consideration of minimum staff numbers, the types of teachers needed, and provision of teacher training. Central administration support can be provided through systems for sharing resources among small schools, school broadcasts, and correspondence courses. Part III discusses the decision to make schools larger. Catchment areas can be expanded through boarding and bussing. Schools can also be made larger by raising enrollment rates, constructing "straight-through" (K-12) schools, or dividing the population more rationally between schools in a catchment. Part IV concludes that circumstances vary widely, and that education authorities must weigh the advantages and disadvantages of small schools for themselves. This document contains an annotated bibliography of further readings. (KS)