IntroductionEducation is critical in today's modern society and is the subject of endless debate in the United States. Recently, it has risen to the top of both state and national agendas (Finn, 2002). One reform movement currently under discussion concerns the effects of school and class size on the quality of student education. Supporters of smaller classes argue that students learn more when there are fewer students in the classroom. Many studies are conducted to try to prove this theory. While some studies show positive results, numerous failed experiments have led opponents of class size reduction to believe that there is no link between class size and student learning. (Bell, Crandall, & Parnell, 2009). Many studies, however, have been inconclusive, and schools across the nation are taking widespread steps to reduce class sizes. Because class size reduction projects are so expensive, some schools have been forced to look for other alternatives to achieve the same goals (Kennedy, 2003). Examples of these alternatives are adding more teachers to a single classroom or extending the school day or year. Analyzing the negative, positive, and alternative aspects of class size reduction has been a topic of constant debate by researchers, educators, and leaders in the United States. .Advantages of Small Class SizesMany researchers have found that the smaller the better. Teachers across the United States find that they can teach with greater variety and depth in a small class than in a large one. Teachers also believe they have more time to cover topics and have better organization in the classroom. Teachers with small classes spend less time on grading and paperwork, which gives them more time to devote to instruction. A student...... center of paper...... classes, and they are more enthusiastic about teaching. Overall, educators believe that these methods of creating smaller classes will allow teachers to help their students (Dixon-Krauss & Januszka, 2008). Other studies have been criticized, such as the Glass & Smith study because the final report was seriously flawed and did not contain reliable information (Mitchell & Beach, 1990). The cost of reducing class sizes is enormous, leading some schools to look to other studies. alternatives. This included hiring more teachers, asking for volunteers, and extending the school day or year. Clearly, students benefit overall from a small class environment, and small classes encourage a sense of family and community among students and teachers. While the debate is far from over, research clearly shows that smaller classes are the most beneficial to student learning.