most susceptible to improved performance through lower student-teacher ratios. Third, the study results varied in relation to grade levels where lower student-teacher ratios were most beneficial (Finn, 1998).
Class-size reduction programs were implemented at both the federal and state levels. The goal of the federal program was a student-teacher ratio of 18:1. The federal program provided funding to states desiring to participate in the program and to participating districts within those states. California implemented a class-size reduction program before the federal program came into effect. California adopted a goal of 20:1 for student-teacher ratios. Because the program was in place, a waiver was granted allowing California to participate in the federal program while pursuing a 20:1 ratio (California Department of Education, 2003).
The federal program permits the use of class-reduction program funds for all grade levels (K-12). While all school districts may participate in the federal program, the funding formula favors districts with a high proportion of households below the poverty line. California has implemented class-size reduction programs in many districts. All grade levels are included in the program; however, participation of all grade levels does not occur in all districts (California Department of Education, 2003).
The problem relative to the class-size reduction program concerns the effectiveness of the program. Thos problem is important given the waiver allowing California to focus on a 20:1 student-teacher ratio.
The purpose of this study is to measure the effectiveness of the class-size reduction program in California in relation to educational outcomes. In is important to determine the differences in educational outcomes between participating and non-participating districts
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