The Hobbit Effect: Why Small Works in Public Schools
Despite the fact that many states are pursuing the irrational policy of closing small schools in rural areas—even as many urban areas are scaling down the size of their schools—the research is clear that when socioeconomic factors are controlled, students in smaller schools fare better academically, are more likely to graduate, and participate in more numbers and kinds of extracurricular activities. The advantages are especially strong for at-risk students.
Now a new report from the Rural Trust, The Hobbit Effect: Why Small Works in Public Schools, explores the research that helps explain why smaller is better when it comes to schools.
The report identifies ten research-based attributes of small schools that are proven to have a positive impact on kids and their learning. These elements are either normally found in most small schools or are more common in smaller schools than in larger schools.
You can read this and other reports at the Rural Trust.