Achilles, C. M., Finn, J. D., & Bain, H. P. (January 1998). Using class size to reduce the equity gap. Educational Leadership (55)4, 40 - 43.
Project STAR and other studies show that small class size can raise student achievement and increase equity. Economically disadvantaged students benefit more from smaller classes. Academic performance of 'at risk' students in elementary schools is significantly higher when there are from 13 to 17 students per class.
SDPL maintains that lower student density, defined as larger spaces (90 -100 square feet per student per school) smaller schools (300 - 600 students in the elementary school), may do as much to improve student learning as special programs. Students need space - a place to reflect and think.