Ten Research-based Reasons Why Small Works #6 Teachers Feel Better About Their Work

Smallness impacts educators as well as students. Teachers in small schools tend to be more satisfied with their positions, have less absenteeism, collaborate more with colleagues, and take greater responsibility for student learning.

In addition, small schools are places where teachers have a stronger sense of professional community and more opportunities for working as a team.

Also smallness is associated with teachers having more autonomy and initiating innovative
reforms more often on their own Some of the more recent literature on small learning communities emphasizes that professional development in small schools is often perceived
as more valuable and effective. It tends to be more focused on school priorities, ongoing, and peer-led—all qualities that teachers and researchers have identified as elements of professional development that increase student learning.

Excerpted from a report entitled The Hobbit* Effect: Why Small Works in Public Schools. The report focuses on attributes of small schools where there is a general consensus in the research about their positive impact for kids. They believe that good schools, close to home are the right of every child. In rural communities, that means keeping small schools open and making them the best schools they can be. They want to dispel the illusion that bigger is better. I’ll share their perspective on each of the Ten Research-Based Reasons Why Small Works. “The Hobbit Effect: Why Small Works in Public Schools,” by Lorna Jimerson

*The main characters of JRR Tolkien’s books, Hobbits are small in size, but huge in courage and unrelenting in their focus on attaining their goals. In addition, they fully appreciate their rural roots and gladly return home when their quest is fulfilled.

#7 Mixed-ability classes avoid condemning some students to low expectations. Mixed-ability group is the practice of placing students with a wide range of abilities into the same setting and exposing all students to a similar curriculum. One study found that when mixed-ability grouping is combined with accelerated curriculum, academic achievement is higher across the board. Students from all backgrounds demonstrated higher achievement in mixed-ability classes than students in tracked classes.

#8 Multi-age classes promote personalized learning and encourage positive social interactions. Though research on the academic impact of multiage classrooms is mixed, the majority of studies indicate that they have a positive impact on academic achievement, and that these results are particularly pronounced for children of color, males, and poorer students.

Students in multiage classes “demonstrate more positive attitudes toward school, greater leadership skills, greater self-esteem, and increased prosocial and fewer aggressive behaviors, compared to peers in traditional graded classrooms” Educators believe these positive social results may reflect classrooms that mimic a more family-oriented climate,
with sharing and caring for others ingrained in the daily experience.

Excerpted from a report entitled The Hobbit* Effect: Why Small Works in Public Schools. The report focuses on attributes of small schools where there is a general consensus in the research about their positive impact for kids. They believe that good schools, close to home are the right of every child. In rural communities, that means keeping small schools open and making them the best schools they can be. They want to dispel the illusion that bigger is better. I’ll share their perspective on each of the Ten Research-Based Reasons Why Small Works. “The Hobbit Effect: Why Small Works in Public Schools,” by Lorna Jimerson

*The main characters of JRR Tolkien’s books, Hobbits are small in size, but huge in courage and unrelenting in their focus on attaining their goals. In addition, they fully appreciate their rural roots and gladly return home when their quest is fulfilled.

✦ Small class size is associated with higher academic achievement, especially in lower grades (K-3).

✦ The achievement gains due to small class size are greatest among disadvantaged and minority students.

✦ The academic effects of small classes in lower grades persist in middle and high school years, even if students are subsequently moved to larger classes.

#4 Good teaching methods are easier to implement. Instructional practices such as flexible scheduling, looping, multiage classes, and experiential learning tend to flourish in smaller settings. Because change is easier to implement in a smaller setting, smaller learning environments create a context hospitable to reform.

Excerpted from a report entitled The Hobbit* Effect: Why Small Works in Public Schools. The report focuses on attributes of small schools where there is a general consensus in the research about their positive impact for kids. They believe that good schools, close to home are the right of every child. In rural communities, that means keeping small schools open and making them the best schools they can be. They want to dispel the illusion that bigger is better. I’ll share their perspective on each of the Ten Research-Based Reasons Why Small Works. “The Hobbit Effect: Why Small Works in Public Schools,” by Lorna Jimerson

*The main characters of JRR Tolkien’s books, Hobbits are small in size, but huge in courage and unrelenting in their focus on attaining their goals. In addition, they fully appreciate their rural roots and gladly return home when their quest is fulfilled.

Our preliminary application will be submitted to the Minister of Education on Monday! Thank you for all your support along the way. The Minister of Education will have 60 days to make a decision.

Excerpted from a report entitled The Hobbit* Effect: Why Small Works in Public Schools. The report focuses on attributes of small schools where there is a general consensus in the research about their positive impact for kids. They believe that good schools, close to home are the right of every child. In rural communities, that means keeping small schools open and making them the best schools they can be. They want to dispel the illusion that bigger is better. I’ll share their perspective on each of the Ten Research-Based Reasons Why Small Works. “The Hobbit Effect: Why Small Works in Public Schools,” by Lorna Jimerson

*The main characters of JRR Tolkien’s books, Hobbits are small in size, but huge in courage and unrelenting in their focus on attaining their goals. In addition, they fully appreciate their rural roots and gladly return home when their quest is fulfilled.