Studies favour smaller schools

When discussing amalgamation of schools, it is important to know which size schools are able to best serve various communities.  Studies are favouring smaller, rather than the larger schools often envisioned by the TDSB.  This review examined 57 empirical studies (from after 1990) on how school size effects student & organizational outcomes.

The weight of evidence provided by this research clearly favors smaller schools. Students who traditionally struggle at school and students from disadvantaged social and economic backgrounds are the major benefactors of smaller schools.

Elementary schools with large proportions of such students …no more that about 300 students.
Elementary schools serving economically and socially heterogeneous or relatively advantaged students…500 students.

Secondary schools serving exclusively or largely diverse and/or disadvantaged students …about 600 students or fewer.
Secondary schools serving economically and socially heterogeneous or relatively advantaged students…about 1,000 students.
Here is the link:
http://www.cupe4400.org/pdf/2012/leithwood_and_jantzi_2012.pdf

With thanks to Katie McGovern
Recording & Corresponding Secretary
Toronto Education Workers